Crime & Safety
Aurora Man Guilty of Attempted Murder of Rival Gang Member
"Long prison sentences are the reward for selfish street gang members who wreak havoc on our community with thoughtless acts of violence," Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon says.
An Aurora man could be sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of trying to kill a rival street gang member in 2009.
Jesse Alvarez, 23, last known address of the 400 block of Woodruff Avenue, Aurora, was convicted Monday by Circuit Judge Susan Clancy Boles of five counts of attempted first-degree murder, each a Class X felony, two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, each a Class X felony, and one count of armed violence, a Class X felony.
In addition, Judge Boles found that Alvarez personally discharged the firearm that caused great bodily harm and permanent disfigurement to the victim.
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Alvarez waived his right to a jury trial. Judge Boles heard the case Sept. 9-10 and Nov. 13, 2013.
Around 12:30 a.m. July 1, 2009, Alvarez approached a house in the 200 block of Valley Avenue, Aurora, knowing it to be the home of the victim, whom he believed was a rival gang member. Alvarez waited until the victim emerged though the front door, and asked him about his gang status. The victim turned to re-enter his home. Alvarez then fired five shots from a .45-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun, striking the victim twice in the left leg. Alvarez fled. He was charged more than a year later after an extensive investigation.
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Judge Boles set Alvarez’s next court appearance for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 2014, in Courtroom 305. Alvarez could face a maximum sentence of natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Alvarez remains in custody at the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his September 2010 arrest in lieu of $550,000 bail. Bond was revoked upon conviction.
“Long prison sentences are the reward for selfish street gang members who wreak havoc on our community with thoughtless acts of violence,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said. “Thanks to Aurora Police Detectives Darrell Moore and John Munn for their thorough work on this case, and to Kane County Assistant State’s Attorneys Mark D. Stajdohar and Scott Schwertley, who prosecuted the case.”
SOURCE: Kane County State's Attorney's Office
