West Chicago teen gets 4 years for robbery attempt, stabbing at picnic
A teen accused of stabbing a man during a picnic at a West Chicago park is going to prison after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.
Alejandro DeLaCruz, 17, of West Chicago, was sentenced to four years Wednesday after admitting his involvement in the June 2012 attack.
The victim was picnicking at Pioneer Park with his girlfriend when three men told him to empty his pockets. Authorities said the man fought back until DeLaCruz plunged a six-inch knife into his chest, puncturing his lung.
As a result of the knifing, the victim was hospitalized for five days, Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Cronin said.
DuPage County Judge Blanche Hill Fawell sentenced DeLaCruz to four years in exchange for his plea. The defendant also faces deportation upon his release because he is not a legal U.S. citizen, according to prosecutors.
Co-defendants Irbin Rocha, 19, of Lisle, and David Flores, 18, of Aurora, pleaded guilty to mob action last year and each received a year in prison.