Teen pleads guilty in Elgin teacher attack
The 16-year-old accused of stabbing an Elgin High School teacher Tuesday pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder in Cook County juvenile court.
Assistant State's Attorney John Somerville wants Angel Facio of Elgin to serve out a juvenile sentence -- with the possibility of 20 years in an adult prison if he violates the terms of that sentence.
Facio's attorney, James Martin, was unwilling to accept the state's offer.
"We wanted to be able to argue for less time," Martin said. "In that sense, it's really a blind plea."
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By pleading guilty, Facio "has taken the first step toward rehabilitation," Martin said.
Judge Edward Pietrucha said he plans to sentence Facio at a June 3 hearing.
The state plans to call the victim, Elgin High teacher Carolyn Gilbert, to testify that day.
Her testimony will "humanize the attack," Somerville said.
In addition to being sent to a juvenile facility for up to five years, Facio could receive anywhere from 6 to 30 years in the adult sentence, Pietrucha said.
On Jan. 18, Facio attacked Gilbert, stabbing her in the head and neck with a steak knife, police said.
Gilbert was stabbed at least seven times, Somerville said. She suffered puncture wounds to her right eye, the back of her neck, above her eyebrows and behind her right ear, he said.
Gilbert's right eye was removed Feb. 1. She now wears a prosthetic piece.
Citing neglectful parents, a chaotic home life and unanswered cries for help, Judge Paul Stralka last week kept Facio's case in juvenile court, instead of charging him as an adult. A juvenile sentence with an adult sentencing provision will "sufficiently protect the community," Stralka said.
Facio also faces charges in two Kane County incidents. He is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old neighbor in August. He faces felony charges as an adult in that attack.
In Kane County juvenile court, Facio is accused of aggravated battery, also a felony, in the attempted Jan. 16 abduction of a Larsen Middle School student.
Facio is being held in a Cook County juvenile detention center in Chicago. He will appear May 26 before Kane County Judge Allen Anderson on the rape charge.
"Overall, it's just a sad case," Martin said. "He was obviously emotionally disintegrating. #8230; I don't think the kid knew how to get himself help."