Aurora Gang Member Sentenced To 40 Years For 2021 Fatal Shooting

AURORA, IL — A 20-year-old gang member was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting in 2021 that left an Aurora man dead, officials said.

Cesar J. Ponce, of the 500 block of East Downer Place, was convicted of first-degree murder in March after a jury deliberated for three hours, Patch reported.

The Aurora man is required to serve his full sentence in accordance with Illinois law. He receives credit for the 731 days spent in Kane County jail.

Ponce was not the person to fire the shot that killed 46-year-old Samuel Ortiz Rodriguez, who gang members mistook for a rival gang member. But he is being held responsible due to his involvement, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

At around 7:30 p.m. on May 24, 2021, Ponce 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 Fidel Bello shot at them, killing the 46-year-old, officials said.

"Mr. Ponce has learned what so many others unfortunately learned too late, that guns and gangs lead straight to prison," Assistant State's Attorney Lori Anderson said in a statement. "Samuel Ortiz-Rodriguez’s death is the result of bravado and poor decisions. He should still be alive. Thanks to all in the community who assisted the police in solving this case."

Bello pled guilty to first-degree murder in April. His next court appearance is set for July 20 where he faces a sentence between 20 years and life imprisonment.

The third person was not charged.

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