Guilty Verdict in Oak Forest Stabbing Case

Photo: Derek Grib | Cook County Sheriff’s Department

For those who knew Felix Jimenez, the last five—almost six—years have felt like the longest of their lives.

Numerous delays—some caused by a backlog in Cook County murder trials—have kept Jimenez’s family in a state of perpetual anticipation awaiting the trial of Derek Grib, the man accused of killing the 18-year-old Oak Forest High School graduate.

Closure finally came Thursday, with a guilty verdict delivered by Cook County Judge Frank Zelezinski following a days-long bench trial. Grib was convicted of second degree murder for Jimenez’s death and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for a separate attack the same night. The stabbing took place at a party in Oak Forest on July 12, 2009. Jimenez died shortly after midnight July 13, 2009. Grib was 16 at the time of the killing. Prosecutors claimed Jimenez was attacked but Grib’s attorney argued that Grib acted in self-defense.

Grib, now 22, was previously released on $100,000 bond. Bond was revoked and he was taken into custody until sentencing April 29.

Although the trial provided some answers after nearly six years, for Jimenez’s mother Teresa Diaz-Rivera, it was not enough.

“I feel like justice wasn’t completely served,” she said.

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