West Chicago Murder Case: Teens Plead Not Guilty

WEST CHICAGO, IL — Four teens who stand trial for the murder of a West Chicago man they allegedly set on fire, stabbed, and ran over with a car have pleaded not guilty. Francisco Alvarado, Jesus Correa, and Saul Ruiz, all 18, of West Chicago, along with Tia Brewer, 16, of Wheaton, could face life in prison if convicted in the murder of Luis Guerrero, 18, Chicago Tribune reports.

Brewer, Correa, Ruiz, and Alvarado face charges of first degree murder, concealment of a homicide, armed robbery, and aggravated kidnapping in connection with the Aug. 14 murder. Guerrero's body was found wrapped in a blanket and smoldering in a fire pit after the accused teens allegedly set him on fire and then ran him over with a car when he tried to flee.

Brewer, who had been in what's described as a dating relationship with Guerrero, was in a relationship with Alvarado at the time, according to police. According to police, Brewer told them during statements that the victim had allegedly raped her "at some point in the past."

According to Chicago Tribune, no report of such an assault was filed, authorities said.

After Guerrero's body was found, police say a parent of one of the suspects tipped off law enforcement to blood that was found on a vehicle. Police later found Alvarado and Brewer at a hotel in Chicago and allegedly discovered a backpack and a knife covered in blood.

Prosecutors are pursuing a maximum sentence of natural life in prison for the suspects, according to Chicago Tribune.

Related: 'Heinous' Murder: Accused Teen's Mom Tips Cops Off To Grisly Find

The teens accused in Guerrero's murder are currently being held in DuPage County Jail without bond. They are expected to appear in court again in October.

Images via DuPage County State's Attorney's Office

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