Wife of slain man charged with drug offenses

The 27-year-old wife of a man killed last week during a drug heist in Aurora has been charged with several narcotics-related offenses stemming from her husband's Oct. 1 slaying.

Maria L. Valtierrez of the 4100 block of South Rockwell, Chicago, has been charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and calculated criminal drug conspiracy, in connection with the Oct. 1 incident that occurred inside a house in the 600 block of North Root Street.

Her bond was set at $1 million Thursday in Aurora Branch Court. Her next court date is scheduled for Oct. 21 at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles.

Valtierrez's husband, Hector Valtierrez, 28, was shot to death about 6:50 p.m. Oct. 1 after he attempted to steal about five kilograms of cocaine from Juan R. Herrera, 28, of Prescott, Wis., and Ernesto V. Acosta, 42, who lived in the Root Street house, authorities said.

Police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said investigators believe the husband-and-wife team "made a habit of ripping off drug dealers" and that Maria Valtierrez had participated in similar crimes in the past.

Police say she drove her husband to the Root Street home, knowing he was going to try and rob Herrera and Acosta.

Once there, a gunfight ensued between Valtierrez and Herrera with both men suffering wounds.

Valtierrez was pronounced dead at the scene. Herrera was shot in his shoulder and groin before fleeing the residence.

Ferrelli said once outside, Herrera flagged down a passing car and convinced the driver to drop him off at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora.

Acosta ran to the home of a relative in the 600 block of North Lincoln Avenue where he was arrested without incident later that night.

As police processed the Root Street home for evidence, Ferrelli said they found a large amount of cannabis packaged for distribution. They also recovered a kilo of cocaine, which they believe was the target of the drug deal.

Ferrelli said there were numerous children and two adult females in the home at the time of the incident but they all were on the second floor and unharmed.

The investigation is ongoing and police are continuing to pursue leads.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (630) 801-6655 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to additional arrests.