Aurora Man Guilty Of Murdering Girlfriend: Kane State's Attorney

AURORA, IL — An Aurora man was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder in the 2020 death of his then-girlfriend, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Natalie Jimenez was 20 years old when she died. She shared a 3-year-old son with Getzuri Arellano, who was convicted during a bench trial that began March 4.

State's Attorney Jamie Mosser and Assistant State's Attorney Greg Sams presented evidence during the trial before Judge David Kliment to prove that in the early morning hours of Dec. 9, 2020, Arellano strangled Jimenez to death after questioning her fidelity, according to a news release.

The 24-year-old man went through Jimenez's cell phone while she slept and came across "entries that upset him." Officials said he proceeded to confront her in the bathroom of their house on Indian Avenue in Aurora where they argued before he wrapped both hands around her throat and killed her.

The forensic pathologist who performed the woman's autopsy testified at the trial, saying Jimenez's body had contusions on the outside of her neck, including bruises that appeared to be consistent with fingers causing pressure on the neck as well as nail marks that came either from the man strangling her or her own fingers as she struggled to free herself, officials said.

The witness also testified to the large amount of burst blood vessels on Jimenez's face and eyes, caused by the pressure put on the veins in the woman's neck, trapping the blood in her head.

"I cannot express how sad and tragic this case is," Mosser said in a statement. "Natalie’s brutal murder by the very hands of the man who was supposed to love her, who was the father of her child, is symptomatic of the scourge of domestic violence we unfortunately see every day. A young mother who had raised a child through infancy and as a toddler never got to see that child walk up to his first day of kindergarten, and will never get to see him grow as a young man. That was all needlessly taken from her."

Arrellano's bond was revoked upon conviction. His case will resume in court May 17 for any post-trial motions and sentencing. The Aurora man faces a sentencing range between 20 to 60 years in prison, which he will be required to serve 100 percent, officials said.

"Myself and all of my employees want to express our continued condolences to Natalie’s family, who have stayed steadfast in their support and loyalty throughout the pendency of this prosecution," Mosser said. "We also wish to thank the Aurora Police Department for the professional investigation its officers conducted, and for their extraordinary attempts to resuscitate Natalie at the scene. That same thanks goes to the Aurora Fire Department paramedics who responded and tried to save Natalie’s life, and to all of the medical personnel at Mercy Hospital who treated Natalie before she passed away."