Aurora Man Found Guilty Of 2017 Murder

AURORA, IL — An Aurora man faces more than 65 years in prison after he was found guilty of murdering another man in 2017. A jury convicted Martin Garcia Jr., 25, of the 600 block of North Root Street, Tuesday of first-degree murder, armed violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member in the death of Rodolfo Rocha Jr., 34.

According to police, Rocha was outside of a home on Grove Street on June 10, 2017, when Garcia and co-defendant Anthony C. Medina, 26, came up to Rocha, along with his friends and some family members, and asked what his gang affiliation they were. When Rocha and his friends said they did not belong to a gang, police say Garcia and Medina drew guns and fatally shot Rocha.

Several shots were fired at Rocha's car. Authorities also say Medina shot Garcia in the side during the gunfire.

In a statement, Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said, "I am pleased that this jury has given Rodolfo Rocha’s family, friends and neighbors a measure of peace and justice by finding Mr. Garcia guilty of this senseless murder. The verdict should reassure the people of Aurora that gang members who choose to carry out their acts of violence will be held accountable. Gang membership is for losers and leads to prison or an early death."

Garcia could be sentenced to anywhere from 65 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting.

He is set to appear in court again on Dec. 4. Medina will appear in court again on Dec. 13.