Aurora man convicted of teen's murder

An Aurora man has been convicted of second-degree murder in connection with the fatal 2006 shooting of a 14-year-old boy, officials said Thursday.

Mario Nevarez, 19, of the 700 block of Spring Street, was found guilty late Wednesday after a bench trial in front of Kane County Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon.

Prosecutors said Nevarez was 16 years old when he gunned down Juan Carlos Flores on Dec. 27, 2006, after the two former friends had a falling out.

The shooting happened after the victim accused Nevarez of stealing his sister-in-law's purse, and as Nevarez attempted to gain standing in a street gang that rivaled one joined by Flores, according to the state's attorney's office.

Sheldon convicted Nevarez of second-degree murder, rather than first-degree murder, after Nevarez said he feared Flores because of the ongoing dispute.

Nevarez, who is being held without bond, faces between four and 20 years in prison, or probation, when sentenced June 30.