Admitted Killer Says He Caught Victim Sexually Abusing Girl

WAUKEGAN, IL — A North Chicago man admitted fatally beating a friend he said he discovered sexually abusing a young girl at a party. Andy R. Vazquez, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday to reduced charges in the New Year's Eve killing of Daniel Arriata, 24, also of North Chicago, the Lake County News-Sun reported.

Vazquez was convicted of second-degree murder involving provocation in the death of Arriata, who was found beaten to death outside of a house in North Chicago on Jan. 1. The incident was 2018's first murder charge in Lake County. The plea agreement means Vazquez will avoid state prison if he abides by the conditions of his sentence.

Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim prosecuted the case personally, which he done on occasion since taking office. He described the deal as a "just resolution" to the case, according to the News-Sun.

Nerheim said Vazquez had been hosting the child's birthday party at his home on New Year's Eve, the News-Sun reported. Arriata, his friend, had attended as a guest. After the party ended and adults were having drinks, Vazquez told police he noticed Arriata was in the bathroom for an extended period of time and went to check on him.

Vazquez said he discovered his friend sexually abusing a young girl who was a guest at the party, according to the News-Sun. He confronted Arriata and the two began to fight, leading to a physical confrontation outside the home. Vazquez's lawyer said other people were also involved in the beating.

Nerheim said the case is still under investigation, according to the News-Sun. If other people involved in the beating are subsequently charged, Vazquez must testify in any court proceedings under the terms of the plea deal.

Vazquez was sentenced to 40 months of periodic imprisonment and 48 months of intensive probation, according to court records. He will receive credit for the 248 days he has served in Lake County Jail since his Jan. 1 arrest and must perform 300 hours of public service. Prosecutors agreed to drop four additional counts of aggravated battery against Vazquez.

Under state law, a murder change can be mitigated if the killer "is acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation," which is defined as "conduct sufficient to excite an intense passion in a reasonable person."

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