Two plead not guilty in fatal Zion party shooting

Two Zion men charged with crimes that occurred at a May 2 party pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Carnell Taylor, 35, faces a prison sentence of 45 years to life if convicted of the murder of Vontrell McMath.

Richard McMath, 25, the victim's half-brother, is charged with attempted armed robbery for accosting a man outside the party in the 2900 block of Gideon Avenue in Zion where the shooting took place.

Assistant State's Attorney Eric Kalata said people at the party began arguing just before 1:30 a.m. after a bottle was thrown into the yard.

Taylor left the party briefly, Kalata said, about the same time Richard McMath pointed a .22 caliber pistol at the face of a 30-year-old Gurnee man on the sidewalk outside and demanded money. That man ran away from Richard McMath.

Kalata said both McMaths were inside the house when Taylor returned with a 9 mm pistol of his own.

Taylor pointed his gun at the head of another man inside the house, Kalata said, and Richard McMath shot Taylor once in the back.

Taylor turned and sprayed the room with bullets, Kalata said, hitting Vontrell McMath in the chest, a 36-year-old Gurnee man in the abdomen and a 42-year-old Zion man in the arm.

Vontrell McMath was found lying outside the house when police arrived, Kalata said. Both of the wounded men suffered nonlife threatening injuries.

Taylor, who was identified by several people at the party, received treatment for a superficial gunshot wound to his back following his arrest.

Richard McMath was arrested later the same day and is held on $50,000 bond.

Taylor was originally scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, but the hearing was delayed when he changed attorneys.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak told Taylor he is eligible for an enhanced sentence of 45 years to life in prison if he is convicted of murdering Vontrell McMath with a firearm.

Richard McMath faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years, Potkonjak said, and is scheduled to appear in court June 17.

Taylor, who is held on $3 million bond, is due in court June 16.