Panfish Park Murder Trial Begins In Wheaton: Report

GLEN ELLYN, IL --- More than five years after Linda Valez was found dead in a makeshift grave in Glen Ellyn's Panfish Park, her then-boyfriend is going to trial. Myron Ester, 50, who faces first degree murder charges in the 2013 stabbing death of Valez, could be sentenced to natural life in prison if convicted, Chicago Tribune reports.

Ester's trial begins Wednesday, with prosecutors seeking natural life in prison if they obtain a conviction. They must also prove that the "crime was exceptionally brutal and indicative of wanton cruelty," according to Chicago Tribune.

Valez, 33, had been missing for days when her body was buried found in a small clearing in a wooded part of Panfish Park, which is located off Park Boulevard in Glen Ellyn. After Valez's body was discovered, police say it "showed obvious signs of trauma."

Glen Ellyn police were joined by Wheaton police and the DuPage County Sheriff's Office in a subsequent investigation that led to charges against Ester, who had been in a six-month relationship with Valez.

Police say Valez and Ester were last seen leaving a Glen Ellyn McDonald's on Sept. 24, 2013.

Prosecutors contend that Ester had a abused Valez in the past, according to Chicago Tribune. Ester's legal team reportedly asserts that Valez started the conflict that led to her death.

Ester's trial is likely to continue into the week of Jan. 14.

Image via DuPage County Jail

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