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Charges upgraded to murder in Round Lake Park death

A Round Lake Park man originally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the July 17 death of another man was indicted on a murder charge Wednesday by a Lake County grand jury.

Willie Davis, 20, now faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted of killing Rogelio Lopez, 18, by throwing a brick through the window of a car in which Lopez was a passenger.

Police said Davis was outside his residence in the 400 block of Highmoor Drive when he saw a fellow gang member being chased by rival gang members in an SUV.

Davis threw a landscaping brick through the vehicle’s window, police said, causing the SUV to go out of control at more than 55 mph and strike a tree.

Lopez died at the scene and five other occupants of the vehicle were hospitalized.

In addition to involuntary manslaughter, Davis was charged with armed violence, aggravated battery and reckless conduct.

On Wednesday, Assistant State’s Attorney Victor O’Block said the murder charge was approved after the grand jury found Davis “Knew or should have known that his actions could result in death or great bodily harm” to Lopez.

Davis is held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charge Nov. 30.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said the death remains under investigation and more charges are possible.

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