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

AURORA, IL — A 19-year-old man was found guilty in connection to a 2021 gang-related shooting that left one Aurora resident dead, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

The jury convicted Cesar J. Ponce, of the 500 block of East Downer Place, of first-degree murder after deliberating for three hours, officials said.

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 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 and his co-defendant were basically hunting for a rival gang member to shoot and kill," Assistant State's Attorney Lori Anderson said in a statement. "Samuel Ortiz-Rodriguez did not need to die that day."

Ponce faces a minimum sentence of 35 years in prison. His next court date, for post-trial motions and sentencing, is scheduled for May 3.

The man remains in custody at the Kane County jail where he has been held in place of $1 million bail since his arrest. Judge David Kliment revoked his bond upon conviction.

The case against Bello, who was charged with first-degree murder, is pending, officials said.