Charges Against David Martinez Villareal Upgraded to First Degree Murder  

WHEATON – DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that First Degree Murder Charges have been filed against David Martinez Villareal, 23 (d.o.b. 2/23/84) of West Chicago for a January 2006 hijacking of a pickup truck that left a female victim severely injured.  On March 1, 2007, the woman passed away from injuries she sustained during the altercation.

It is alleged that at approximately 8 a.m. January 8, 2006, the two victims, both senior citizens, drove their Chevy S10 pickup truck to the Main Park Apartment Complex to feed the birds.  Once at the apartment complex, it is alleged that the victims were approached by Villareal and a verbal argument ensued at which time Villareal approached the driver’s side of the vehicle and, through an open window, struck the male victim several times in the face.  At this time the female victim exited the passenger side of the vehicle only to be attacked herself by the defendant.  In an effort to protect his wife, the male victim exited the vehicle and approached the defendant.  The defendant then punched and kicked the male victim knocking him to the ground.  It is further alleged that the defendant then entered the running vehicle and ran over the female victim with the truck.    Witnesses in the area phoned 911 and West Chicago Police responded to the incident within minutes.  The Major Crimes Task Force was also activated shortly after the phone call and assisted West Chicago Police in its investigation.  Villareal was taken into custody a short time after the attack without incident.  Both victims were hospitalized and the female victim remained under full-time medical care until her death on March 1, 2007.  The male victim has since recovered from his injuries. 

“What Mr. Villareal is accused of doing, attacking innocent, unsuspecting seniors, is completely intolerable,” remarked Birkett.  “Seniors are among the most vulnerable of our citizens and it is our responsibility to protect them and hold those who would victimize them accountable.  I was saddened to hear of the passing of the victim of this terrible crime.  We will continue to prosecute this senseless case to the fullest extent of the law.”  

In all, Villareal is charged with five counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, three counts of Aggravated Battery, one count of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking, one count of Vehicular Invasion, and two counts of Aggravated Battery of a Senior Citizen.

Villareal remains in the DuPage County Jail on the previously set $2 million bond with 10% to apply.  His next scheduled court appearance is set for August 15 at 8:30 a.m. in front of Judge George Bakalis in Courtroom 4006.

Members of the public are reminded that this indictment contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.