'There Were Four Of You And One Of Her': Man Pleads Guilty In Offense That Paralyzed Woman

AURORA, IL — A 27-year old man agreed to a 35-year prison sentence in exchange for a guilty plea related to a violent carjacking that left a woman permanently paralyzed, officials said Wednesday.

Edward J. McGee's sentence is comprised of 20 years for the offense of aggravated vehicular hijacking, a felony charge, and 15 years because the man, of the 15600 block of Turlington Avenue in Harvey, was armed with a gun at the time.

McGee must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, according to Illinois law. He receives credit for the 550 days served in the Kane County jail, officials said.

The case stems from a Jan. 16, 2021 incident in which the Harvey man and three others stole a car in the parking lot of a Wendy's in the 1200 block of North Orchard Road in Aurora.

As McGee and the others struggled with the car's owner, who was seated inside, she pushed and pulled before one of them fired at least three shots from a handgun, officials said. One bullet hit the woman, paralyzing her. When Aurora police arrived, they found Kim Weibring, who was 47 at the time, injured on the ground, Patch reported.

During the plea hearing, Judge Alice Tracy, who accepted McGee's plea, said: "There were four of you and one of her. I don't know why someone had to shoot her. This was a completely senseless act of violence that she will be paying the price for every day for the rest of her life. I hope you think about that every day."

A statement from Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser echoes Tracy's sentiments.

"Mr. McGee earned and deserves every day of this sentence. His decision to participate in such unnecessary violence left a woman paralyzed," she said. "I cannot begin to express my admiration for her as she continues to show remarkable spirit, determination and bravery."

The cases against McGee's co-defendants are pending.

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