Ruling Thursday in Aurora murder case

DuPage County Judge Robert Kleeman will issue a ruling Thursday on whether a reputed gang member is guilty of murdering a 35-year-old Hillside man nearly four years ago in Aurora.

Enrique Torres, 27, of Aurora, is accused of fatally shooting Edgar Hill on April 14, 2007, after Hill caught one of Torres’ friends allegedly burglarizing a car parked outside a Super 8 motel on the 4200 block of Longmeadow Drive.

In closing arguments Friday, prosecutors said Hill confronted Torres’ friend, leading to a fight involving all three men. Torres is accused of retrieving a gun and shooting Hill three times after the victim bit his finger during the fight.

The defense questioned the motives of two witnesses who identified Torres as the shooter, and attacked inconsistencies in their stories.

Torres, who opted for a bench trial rather than a jury trial, faces 45 years to life in prison if convicted.