FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED AGAINST TWO CHICAGO MEN

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that seven counts each of First Degree Murder have been filed against Joshua J. Gordon, 20 (d.o.b. 12/14/1987) and Dywayne D. Head, 19 (d.o.b. 12/11/1988), both of Chicago, in connection with the death of 46 year-old James R. Keniski of Villa Park.  Mr. Keniski passed away on May 25, 2007 as the result of injuries he sustained allegedly at the hands of the defendants.

It is alleged that on May 16^th 2007, Gordon and Head, traveled from Chicago with the intent to rob Mr. Keniski at his home.  During the course of the alleged robbery, it is further alleged that Mr. Keniski was pushed over a banister, falling approximately ten feet, and repeatedly stepped on by the defendants.  An investigation by the Villa Park Police Department led to the apprehension of both Gordon and Head.  Gordon has been in custody since the incident on Robbery charges, while Head was taken into custody on June 5 charged with Aggravated Battery.

“If these allegations are proven to be true, these two men traveled from Chicago to DuPage County intent on robbing Mr. Keniski,” remarked Birkett.  “Once they arrived at Mr. Keniski’s however, they allegedly robbed him not only of his possessions but also of his life.  This type of brazen behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.”

First Degree Murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).  In addition to First Degree Murder Charges, Gordon and Head also face one count of Home Invasion, four counts of Robbery and two counts of Residential Burglary.

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.

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