Aurora teenager guilty of murder in 2023 shooting death

An Aurora teenager has been found guilty of murdering another teen during a 2023 robbery.

Kane County Judge David Kliment convicted Zahmeir Andrews, 19, of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to a news release Thursday from the Kane County state’s attorney’s office.

Andrews chose to have his case heard by a judge instead of a jury. The trial began Monday.

He was accused of killing 19-year-old Edwin Varela the evening of Aug. 20, 2023, in the 1300 block of North Glen Circle in Aurora.

Varela was found behind the wheel of a crashed car. He had been shot in the neck, chest and a shoulder. A female passenger was not injured.

Prosecutors said Varela was there to sell illegal cannabis and vape cartridges. He had a disagreement with a man over payment. Andrews approached the vehicle, and as Varela tried to back up and drive away, Andrews fired through the open driver’s side window.

Andrews was 16 at the time. He was prohibited by law from possessing the handgun used.

An 18-year-old, Daniel D. Robinson, was also charged. His case is pending.

In addition, two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, were charged with the murder. The status of their cases is unknown because juvenile court records are not available to the public, and the state’s attorney’s spokesman said he is prohibited by law from providing any information about their cases.

Andrews could be sentenced at his next court date, which is Sept. 29.

He is eligible for an extra 25 years in prison, because he fired the gun.