2nd Man Faces Prison Sentence For 2021 Gang-Related Shooting: Mosser

AURORA, IL — A second man has pled guilty to first-degree murder related to a fatal gang-related shooting in 2021, according to officials at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Fidel Bello, a 19-year-old Aurora man of the 300 block of Sheldon Avenue, faces a minimum sentence of 20 years for his guilty plea. Prosecutors said there's also a possibility he'll be given an additional 25 years to natural life for personally firing the weapon that killed Samuel Ortiz-Rodriguez, 46.

In March, a jury convicted Bello's co-defendant Cesar Ponce of first-degree murder due to his involvement in the shooting. Jurors deliberated for three hours before coming to the decision, Patch reported.

At around 7:30 p.m. on May 24, 2021, Bello and two fellow members of the same street gang went in search of rivals in a part of Aurora that was considered a rival gang's territory. Ponce pointed out some people, Ortiz-Rodriguez being among them, standing outside a residence, and Bello shot at them, killing the Aurora man, officials said.

RELATED: Aurora Man, 19, Guilty For Murder In 2021 Gang-Related Shooting: SA

"Mr. Bello and Mr. Ponce were on a mission to kill a rival gang member that evening," Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Anderson said in a statement. "Samuel Ortiz-Rodriguez, while not specifically their target as they were out hunting, was unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thanks to all of the citizens who provided information to the Aurora Police Department in this investigation."

Bello's next court date is scheduled for May 31, while Ponce, who faces a minimum sentence of 35 years, is set to appear May 3. The third man involved in the shooting was not charged, officials said.