Fatal Pot Deal Results in Murder Charges for Aurora Men

Photo: From left, Leon D. Williams and Keyonn S. Lovelace

Two Aurora men have been charged in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Daniel Sanchez.

Leon D. Williams, 21, of the 2400 block of North Farnsworth Avenue, and Keyonn S. Lovelace, 18, of the 400 block of North Union Street, have each been charged with three counts of first degree murder. In addition, two additional counts of armed robbery have been filed against Williams, the alleged trigger-man, while Lovelace faces an additional single count of armed robbery.

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Sanchez, of the 600 block of South Lake Street, Aurora, was found suffering from gunshot wounds to his head and leg in an industrial area in the 600 block of South Elmwood Drive at about 12:05 p.m., Nov. 7, after Aurora Police were dispatched to that location for a call of shots fired. He was taken to Presence Mercy Medical Center by Aurora Fire Department Paramedics and then airlifted to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove where he was pronounced dead at 7:28 p.m. the same day.

Detectives were quick to discover forensic evidence, including surveillance video from area businesses that contained clues that helped them link Williams and Lovelace to their alleged involvement in the murder.

According to charging documents, Williams scheduled a meeting to buy cannabis from Sanchez but instead enlisted Lovelace to help rob Sanchez of his drugs and cash. After agreeing on a meeting place for the narcotics deal, Lovelace drove Williams to the area of Ridgeway Avenue and Lake Street, picked up Sanchez, and drove for a short while to the 600 block of South Elmwood. After stopping the vehicle, Williams, who was allegedly in the back seat with Sanchez, displayed a handgun he had earlier gotten from Lovelace, and demanded Sanchez’s money and marijuana. A struggle then ensued during which a shot was fired. Sanchez then jumped out of the vehicle with Williams chasing him. Two more shots were then allegedly fired by Williams, one of which hit Sanchez in the leg and the second one striking him in the head.

Lovelace was taken into custody without incident and the handgun believed to be used in the murder was recovered, at around 2:15 a.m., Nov. 13, at Lovelace’s home. Williams was arrested without incident at about 5 p.m., Nov. 13, at his home.

Another 18-year-old Aurora man was with Williams and Lovelace during the crime but was released without being charged.

Both men are scheduled to appear at weekend bond call Sunday at the Kane County Correctional Center in St. Charles.