Man convicted of attempted murder for shooting stranger in the face in West Chicago
A man who shot a stranger in the face in West Chicago has been found guilty of attempted murder.
A jury Thursday night found Ahmad Steele, 38, of DeKalb, guilty of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.
Prosecutors said that at 7:31 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2021, a worker at Mapei Corp. on Industrial Drive was sitting in his vehicle during his dinner break. A Chevrolet Blazer entered the parking lot and parked several spaces away.
The driver, Steele, got out with a shotgun, walked to the victim’s vehicle and fired the weapon at him. He walked away, then returned and raised the gun again, according to prosecutors.
The two did not know each other.
Naperville police arrested Steele on Feb. 6, 2021, based on a description of the Blazer.
Steele was denied bond.
The victim underwent surgery five times to rebuild his jaw. He died early last year of an unrelated illness at age 40.
Both convictions are Class X felonies, punishable by six to 30 years in prison. Because a gun was used, there is a mandatory add-on of 25 years to natural life for the attempted murder conviction, meaning Steele faces a minimum sentence of 31 years.
He is due back in court on April 29 for post-trial motions and receipt of a presentence investigation report.