Palatine man guilty in shooting
A Palatine teen who shot a 15-year-old boy in the head at point-blank range last year has been convicted of aggravated battery with a firearm.
Aurelio Diaz, now 20, faces six to 30 years in prison after he was found guilty in a bench trial before Judge John Scotillo.
Diaz was acquitted of attempted first-degree murder charges stemming from the Feb. 9, 2007, shooting.
Authorities said Diaz was fooling around with a .38-caliber gun that night during a party he and his brothers threw at their apartment, located in the Bourbon Street subdivision at 716 E. Independence Drive.
Diaz held the gun just inches from his friend's head when it discharged about 11 p.m., piercing the temple of the 15-year-old.
The victim underwent brain surgery at Northwest Community Hospital at Arlington Heights, followed by months of rehabilitation. He lost sight in his right eye, prosecutors said.
Defense attorney Christopher described the incident as accidental.
Diaz is scheduled for sentencing April 30.