Prosecutors say Elgin man solicited fellow inmate in help with murder
A 23-year-old Elgin man recently pleaded guilty to plotting to kill his ex-girlfriend and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
But the legal troubles aren't over for Bernardino Hernandez Jr., of the 800 block of Liberty Street.
In some cases, a defendant will plead guilty in exchange for prosecutors dropping other cases.
Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Orland said that scenario does not apply to Hernandez, and the state will be moving forward on other charges against him.
He faces attempted murder charges in which Elgin police say Hernandez shot his ex-girlfriend in 2008. The case is tentatively set for trial May 7.
Hernandez also has pending weapons charges and is due in court on those in early April.
His defense attorney, Sandra Byrd, did not return a call seeking comment.
Hernandez was set to go on trial in January for solicitation of murder, a charge that carried a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison.
Prosecutors said Hernandez solicited the murder through a fellow detainee at the Kane County jail, who was asked to “make arrangements to have someone come out and kill his former girlfriend and witness for the state.”
Prosecutors said he transferred money to a third party and was secretly recorded discussing details of the would-be murder.
According to court records, Judge Timothy Sheldon accepted the plea deal and the 20-year sentence, of which Hernandez must serve 85 percent, or 17 years.
He will get credit for nearly two years in jail while his case was pending.
Hernandez remains charged with attempted first-degree murder and related offenses in the June 26, 2008, shooting of the mother of his child.
In that case, he is accused of firing into a bedroom window and hitting the woman in the back after she confronted him about seeing other people.