Man sentenced to life plus 60 years for Elgin murder

A former Chicago man convicted in the brutal 2003 murder of an Elgin man in front of his girlfriend and infant son was sentenced to life plus 60 years in prison Thursday.

Darren Denson, 39, who was already serving a 50 year sentence for a Milwaukee killing, was convicted on April 8 on one count of first-degree murder among other felony charges in the February 2003 murder of 32-year-old Kyle Juggins.

Denson and two accomplices went to Juggins’ apartment early Feb. 11, 2003, in search of a drug dealer who was rumored to be carrying $30,000.

Denson, armed with a long knife, began stabbing Juggins as he lay in a bed between his 15-month-old son and girlfriend before an accomplice shot him in the head.

Along with the life sentence for first degree murder, Denson was sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery and 30 years for home invasion, which will be served consecutively following the life sentence.

Denson’s first trial in November 2010 ended in a hung jury after they deliberated for two days.

Prosecutors noted Denson’s extensive violent history the past 22 years, during which he had been out of prison for fewer than four years.

“It is particularly satisfying to know that a career criminal who has demonstrated no regard for human life will never again walk the streets,” said Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon.

Since 1991, Denson has been convicted of aggravated battery, attempted murder, possession of a weapon by a felon, domestic battery and unlawful use of a weapon, among other charges.

Denson was the first murder defendant in Kane County to stand trial since the death penalty was abolished in March.