2 deny guilt in fatal Elgin shooting

Two Elgin men accused in the shooting death of a 22-year-old Rochelle woman pleaded not guilty Thursday to first-degree murder.

Tony Rosalez, 18, and Manith "C.T." Vilayhong, 22, were arraigned by Kane County Judge Jordan T. Gallagher.

Rosalez faces 45 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder, while Manith Vilayhong, 22, faces 35 to 75 years. The state also still could seek the death penalty for both men.

Police say Rosalez shot Paola Rodriguez in the head Jan. 30 while riding in a vehicle with Vilayhong and co-defendant Raul Perez-Gonzalez, 18, of Elgin. According to witness testimony, the three were carrying out a form of gang retaliation from a passing Ford Expedition after a verbal exchange outside a fast-food restaurant on Bluff City Boulevard.

Rosalez and Vilayhong then tried to wash evidence off their vehicle and went to a party, a man who claimed to witness the shooting testified.

Perez-Gonzalez is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in front of Gallagher. Rosalez and Vilayhong are due back in court May 20 and May 8, respectively.

All three remained in the county jail without bond Thursday.