Man gets 15 years in fatal Villa Park beating
A Chicago man was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison for his role in a fatal Villa Park beating.
Joshua J. Gordon, 21, apologized after pleading guilty to felony home invasion. Prosecutors dropped other charges including first-degree murder in exchange for the plea, which included Gordon's promise to testify against his co-defendants.
He is eligible for parole after serving half the prison term.
Violence erupted May 16, 2007 after the four Chicago men arrived at 46-year-old James R. Keniski's home on the 0-100 block of North Addison Road. Keniski did not know the men, but he let them inside because they had a mutual friend.
The group planned to rob Keniski, and authorities said it quickly turned physical when another defendant, Semaj Walker, 23, pushed the victim over a banister, causing him to fall 10 feet.
Prosecutor Bob Stanker said Gordon witnessed the attack, then tried to use the victim's ATM card afterward at a nearby gas station. Police arrested Gordon that night after they spotted him walking in the area and stopped him for questioning.
Defense attorney Jeffrey Kendall said Gordon did not have a prior criminal record and went along with the group that night without realizing the seriousness of what was to come.
"He's never been in trouble before," Kendall said. "He's truly remorseful and fully cooperated with authorities."
Rescuers rushed Keniski to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and, later, Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Keniski languished in a coma and died 10 days later from his injuries.
Stanker said Gordon provided a videotaped interview with authorities about what he said happened that night. He also agreed to provide truthful testimony if needed.
Also charged were Ray A. Moore, 19, and Dywayne D. Head, 20, who is serving a 20-year prison term. Head was arrested June 5, 2007, in Chicago after police linked him to the crime scene through DNA found in his urine taken from the couple's home. Walker was on the lam until Jan. 29, 2008.
He and Moore remain in jail, charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, residential burglary and robbery. Their cases still are pending. DuPage Circuit Judge Peter J. Dockery presided over Monday's plea deal.