Elgin murder fugitive nabbed in Mexico
On April 9, 2000, 19-year-old Matthew Kimble was shot and killed as he tried to break up a fight at a house party on Elgin's east side.
Nine years later, justice may finally be served.
Elgin police Thursday afternoon assumed custody of Roberto Vences, 26, at O'Hare International Airport after federal agents and Elgin police worked to find him at his family's ranch in Veracruz, Mexico.
Vences was an 18-year-old from Gilberts back in 2000. He was charged after Kimble's death - caused by a bullet to the heart - and has been on the run ever since.
In 2001, Vences was named one of Kane County's Top 10 fugitives and the case was featured on the show "America's Most Wanted."
"He's been free on this for too long," said Elgin Deputy Police Chief Jeff Swoboda. "We are pleased that Vences is finally in custody. The victim's family may now get some closure."
After Kimble's murder, his parents, Terry and Richard, raised $15,000 for a reward and established a scholarship fund through bowling and golf outings.
The ninth annual Matthew Kimble Memorial Scholarship fundraiser was held last August at Elgin Lanes. The couple travels north from their Texas home each year to host it.
Word of Vences' arrest will make the Mother's Day weekend more sweet than bitter for Terry Kimble, a family friend said.
"It's great," said Debbie Garrelts of Elgin. "I'm sure it's a big load off her mind."
Vences' bond has been set at $2 million, but prosecutors this morning will argue that it be revoked, said the Kane County state's attorney's office in a statement.
If convicted, he would face up to 107 years in prison.
Kimble was a 1998 Elgin High School graduate who was taking classes at Elgin Community College.
He grew up on Elgin's east side and played football, basketball and baseball with the Elgin American Little League, which later named a field after him.
Family members have said Kimble, who would be 29 this August, was just starting to map out his adult life when he was killed.
Vences, a known gang member, is accused of shooting Kimble and two of his friends at the house party on the 200 block of Illinois Avenue.
Police said Vences started arguing with Kimble's friends outside the home and started shooting. Matthew's friends survived.
Police later said they believed the murder weapon was among about 20 firearms taken in 1999 from a now-closed Elgin gun shop.
Kimble's murder also prompted the city to change its laws to require gun shop owners to install window and door bars, use gun safes or hire security when the stores close.
Nabbed: Kimble's murder led to changes in Elgin's gun shop laws
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=291975">Elgin teen killed in shooting at party <span class="date">[04/10/2000]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=291973">Mother fights to find son's killer <span class="date">[10/07/2000]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=291974">Family to celebrate birthday with somber tribute <span class="date">[08/11/2001]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>