VILLA PARK MAN CHARGED IN MURDER OF PARENTS

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and Villa Park Police Chief John Payne announced today that Artur Shehu, 33, of 46 West Ridge Road, Villa Park, has been charged with the murder of his parents 66-year-old Syrja, the defendant’s father and 67-year-old Safo, the defendant’s mother.  Syrja and Safo’s bodies were found yesterday morning in their home in Villa Park which their son shared with them.  Preliminary autopsy results indicate that both victims died as the result of a single gunshot wound to the head.

At the current time, Shehu remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Village of Villa Park Police Department at (630) 834-7447 or your local police department.

“Even though Mr. Shehu is not currently in custody, this morning I authorized the filing of two counts of First Degree Murder against him based upon the evidence gathered thus far,” remarked Birkett.

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

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are 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.

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