Elgin man's trial delayed on murder solicitation charge

An Elgin man was charged with soliciting the murder of a state witness Monday after he was recorded plotting to have the woman killed as his trial on attempted murder charges neared, prosecutors said.

Bernardino Hernandez Jr., 22, solicited the killing through a fellow detainee at the Kane County jail, who was asked to "make arrangements to have someone come out and kill his former girlfriend and witness for the state," prosecutor Nemura Pencyla said.

The plotting took place over the week and a half preceding Hernandez's jury trial, which had been set for Monday, according to the charges. During that time, prosecutors said, he transferred money to a third party and was secretly recorded discussing details of the would-be murder.

"He took substantial steps" toward having the intended target killed, Pencyla said.

Kane County Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon found probable cause Monday for charges of solicitation of murder and solicitation of murder for hire against Hernandez, of the 800 block of South Liberty Street. If convicted of the most serious charge, he would face a minimum of 20 years in prison, the judge said.

Hernandez remains charged with attempted first-degree murder and related offenses in the June 26, 2008, shooting of the mother of his child.

In that case, he is accused of firing into a bedroom window, striking the now 24-year-old victim three times in the back, after she confronted him about seeing other people.

Defense attorney Sandra Byrd, who is representing Hernandez, declined to comment on the new charges Monday.

Her client remained in the county jail with bond set at $2 million. His next court date is May 13, with a trial tentatively scheduled for Aug. 30.