Three suspects in Zion murder plead not guilty

Three men accused of killing a North Chicago man during a drug deal turned robbery pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Anthony Sanford, 29, was shot several times in the chest and abdomen on New Year's Eve in Zion.

Accused triggerman Laderris Bennette, 20, of Beach Park faces a prison sentence ranging from 45 years to life if convicted of the slaying.

Marshall Johnson, 19, of Beach Park, and Kersy Desarmes, 18, of Zion, could each be sentenced to a term of 20 to 60 years if convicted.

Assistant State's Attorney George Pappas said the trio had arranged to buy marijuana from Sanford in an alley in the 2800 block of Emmaus Avenue around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 31.

Instead, Pappas said, the three decided to rob Sanford and shot him multiple times before fleeing.

They were arrested three days later and are all held on $3 million bond.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman ordered Bennette to appear in court Feb. 22, while Marshall and Desarmes are due to return Feb. 8.