West Chicago man sentenced to 35 years for killing cousin

A West Chicago man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 2015 slaying of his cousin.

James Hernandez, 22, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in front of DuPage County Judge John Kinsella, who handed down the sentence. He has been held in DuPage County jail on $2 million bond since being charged with the killing.

Authorities say sheriff's deputies responded on Nov. 20, 2015, to a call of an injured person - later identified as Hernandez's 27-year-old cousin Enrique Hernandez - on the side of the road near the intersection of DuPage Road and High Lake Avenue near West Chicago.

Enrique Hernandez was taken to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield where he was pronounced dead with a gunshot wound to the head.

An investigation led by the DuPage sheriff's office, with assistance from West Chicago police, led authorities to James Hernandez. Through their investigation, authorities learned that Enrique and James were traveling together in a vehicle when James shot Enrique and then pushed him out of the vehicle and drove away.

James also stole Enrique's cellphone, wallet and money clip, authorities said.

Hernandez will be required to serve his full sentence before being eligible for parole.