Fatal Glenview Stabbing: Teen Gets Probation, Community Service

GLENVIEW, IL — A teenager, who pleaded guilty in October to fatally stabbing a 15-year-old Glenview resident, received three years of probation and community service, among other conditions, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Judge Steven Bernstein handed down the sentence on Monday in connection with the August 2020 death of Elias Valdez, who was a Glenbrook South student at the time of his death.

The homicide was the first in Glenview since 2004, according to police.

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The minor pleaded guilty to second degree murder on Oct. 18.

In addition to probation, the now 17-year-old high school senior was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, DNA testing, counseling and evaluation by Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, a representative from the CCSAO told Patch.

On Aug. 5, 2020, police responded to the 1200 block of Greenwood Road for an ambulance assist for a person down at around 7 p.m. Valdez, who was a rising sophomore at Glenbrook South High School, was found lying in a grassy area with a puncture wound to the chest. The unincorporated Glenview resident was transported to Lutheran General Hospital, where he later died in surgery.

According to authorities and as reported by Daily Herald, Valdez intended to buy marijuana from the defendant. He attempted to take the drugs without paying for them, but the defendant chased him down and a struggle ensued. Valdez, who was a high school wrestler, ended up on top of the defendant, who reached for a utility tool containing a blade. Valdez was stabbed during the subsequent struggle.

The next court date for the minor is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2022, for a progress report on his probation, according to the CCSAO.