FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED AGAINST CHICAGO MAN
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that First Degree Murder charges have been filed against Semaj Walker, 22 (d.o.b. 10/17/1985) of 3607 W. Polk, 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 Mr. Walker and two co-defendants Joshua J. Gordon, 20 (d.o.b. 12/14/1987) and Dywayne D. Head, 19 (d.o.b. 12/11/1988), both of Chicago. Mr. Walker turned himself in to Villa Park authorities yesterday afternoon.
It is alleged that on May 16th 2007, Walker, 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 Walker, 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. On December 12, 2007, both men were charged with First Degree Murder.
“On May 16 of last year, James Keniski was brutally beaten to death allegedly by Mr. Walker and his accomplices, Joshua Gordon and Dywayne Head” remarked Birkett. “Mr. Keniski did not deserve to die that day or that way. If these allegations are proven to be true, these three men will spend a significant amount of time behind bars for the brutal murder of Mr. James Keniski.”
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.
Walker appeared in bond court this morning where Judge Jane Mitton set his bond at $3 million with 10% to apply. His next court date is scheduled for February 28, 2008.
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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