Teen charged in Glendale Hts. murder

The last time Shaun Krueger spoke to his younger brother, Corey, the two talked about Christmas trees and presents.

But instead of enjoying the holidays together, Shaun Krueger will attend a memorial service today for the brother he describes as a hard-working family man with a generous heart.

"It's so completely senseless and surreal," Shaun Krueger said late Friday. "He would go to the ends of the earth for anyone."

As the slain man's family says good-bye, the 19-year-old boy accused of killing Corey Dale Krueger early Wednesday will appear this morning in DuPage County bond court.

Police said Isaias Beltran, 547 Lynn Court, fatally shot the 35-year-old husband and father of two during a random robbery. Beltran faces first-degree murder charges.

Krueger was found unconscious about 3 a.m. Wednesday on a sidewalk on the 1200 block of Pleasant Avenue, steps from his Glendale Heights home.

Officers made the discovery after a homeowner in the neighborhood complained of a barking dog. His dog remained at Krueger's side, its leash still in his hand.

Krueger suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Rescuers rushed him to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, where he died from his injuries at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Police described the murder as a random attack. Krueger was walking his dog and warming up his car while preparing to begin his shift as a sanitation worker in Joliet. He and Beltran did not know each other, police said.

Minutes before police received the neighbor's complaint of a barking dog, another officer had stopped a 1991 Honda Accord one-quarter mile away for a traffic violation. Upon the stop, police said two of the four young occupants ran away.

Beltran was one of two occupants who remained in the car. Police rounded up all four young men for questioning.

Authorities declined to release what evidence they have implicating Beltran in the slaying.

More details might be released this morning in bond court.

"We certainly believe we have enough probable cause and have gathered sufficient evidence to implicate him in this crime," Glendale Heights Police Chief Michael Marron said. "The investigation continues and other charges may be forthcoming."

Beltran had several earlier run-ins with the law, according to DuPage County court records. He pleaded guilty to aggravated battery of a Glendale Heights police officer in 2006.

He's had more recent arrests in Addison, Carol Stream and Glendale Heights in which he was accused of disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, resisting arrest and obstructing justice. Other allegations involved gang affiliation, court records revealed.

Corey Dale Krueger was an organ donor. Since his death, seven other people have received his organs to continue living. His brother, Shaun, said that's quite a legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Kristin, and two children, Corey Jr., 4, and 13-year-old Marissa Ana Rose. His family said his biggest joy was being a father.

A fund has been established to help his family. For more information, visit www.coreykruegerfamilyfund.org or write Corey Krueger Family Fund c/o Shaun Krueger, 512 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304.