Man Gets 22 Years For 2020 Stabbing Murder In West Chicago

WEST CHICAGO, IL — A 26-year-old man was sentenced to 22 years in prison in connection with the 2020 stabbing death of Luis Lopez in West Chicago. Joel Munoz-Valdez, of the 700 block of S. Oak Street, West Chicago, pleaded guilty to first degree murder Monday.

On Feb. 26, 2020, Munoz-Valdez came to Lopez's home in the 800 block of Brentwood in West Chicago and the two men got into an argument outside the residence, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. Munoz-Valdez took a knife from his pocket and stabbed Lopez in the left leg and back several times during the fight before fleeing the scene, a news release said.

Lopez was taken to a nearby hospital. Munoz-Valdez was arrested on Feb. 29 in Naperville and initially charged with aggravated battery. The charges against Munoz-Valdez were upgraded to first degree murder after March 6, when Lopez died of his injuries.

“Just over two years ago, Joel Munoz-Valdez decided to end a verbal argument with a knife,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “His actions however, not only ended the argument, but also ended Luis Lopez’s life. I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Lopez and wish them strength as they continue their lives with just their memories of Luis."

Munoz-Valdez must serve 100 percent of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.