FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED AGAINST TWO MEN IN ADDISON MURDER

Bond Set at $1 Million Each

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced that one count each of First Degree Murder was filed yesterday against Antonio Aguilar, 18 (d.o.b. 10/27/1989) of Addison and Robert Meza, 20 (d.o.b. 07/27/1987), of Joliet, in connection with the shooting death of Lorenzo Salazar-Cortez.  The murder took place at approximately 5 a.m. September 15, 2007 at an Addison apartment complex. 

It is alleged that on September 15, at approximately 5 a.m., Aguilar and Meza went to an Addison apartment located at 320 Dale Street, where Cortez was visiting friends.  It is further alleged that Aguilar opened fire from outside the building and, through a window, struck Cortez four times.  Additionally, it is alleged that Meza drove Aguilar from the crime scene.  An investigation by the Addison Police Department led to the apprehension of both Aguilar and Meza. 

“This senseless murder is yet another example of how gang violence once again has claimed the life of an innocent man,” remarked Birkett.  “Young people today have got to get the message that the only place a gang lifestyle leads is to the graveyard or the penitentiary.  An innocent man is dead and two young men now face significant time behind bars all because of senseless gang violence.”

Both defendants appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge Diamond set bail at $1 million each with 10% to apply.  They are scheduled for arraignment on November 6 at 8:30 a.m.

First Degree Murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). 

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendants’ 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.