Crystal Lake Teen Charged With Robbery Following Fatal Shooting Near University of Kentucky

An 18-year-old Crystal Lake man is accused of helping to orchestrate a robbery that lead to a man being fatally shot near the University of Kentucky campus last weekend.

Nicholas V. Coriaci, 18, a freshman at the University of Kentucky, has been charged with first-degree robbery along with his fellow college classmates, Jaydon B. Whalen, 19, and Alex P. Ferrell, 19, the Northwest Herald reports.

Lexington police determined the suspects along with 28-year-old James N. Gordon devised a plan to rob another man under the guise of a narcotics transaction, according to a news release. The foursome arranged to meet an acquaintance in the early morning hours of April 9 on Woodland Avenue in Lexington, Kent.

When the acquaintance arrived at Woodland Avenue, the suspects and Gordon showed a weapon and attempted to rob him. The acquaintance then pulled out a gun and shot Gordon and Coriaci. Gordon later died from his injury and Coriaci suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder, according to a Lexington Police Department press release.

The shooter, who is not currently charged, is claiming self-defense and has cooperated with investigators, police said.

Coriaci is listed as a pre-management major at the University of Kentucky and made the Fall 2015 Dean's List.

He pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the robbery charged and is free on a $10,000 bond, according to the Northwest Herald. He could face between 10 and 20 years in prison if convicted.

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