Teen IDs former gang ally in murder

George Zuno Jr. found himself in an uncomfortable position Monday.

The self-admitted gang member testified against a friend accused of gunning down an innocent man Dec. 19 as he walked his dog in Glendale Heights.

Zuno, 18, said he and Isaias Beltran were smoking cigarettes outside another friend's apartment that morning when he witnessed the murder. He said Beltran, 19, suddenly approached a man across the street and attempted to rob him.

"He told the guy he was being too loud," Zuno said. "The guy said, 'OK. OK.' I seen the spark and I heard the shot and the man's body dropped to the ground."

His testimony came Monday during a preliminary hearing into the death of Corey Dale Krueger, 35, killed as he walked his dog before beginning his morning shift as a Joliet sanitation worker.

Beltran is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and robbery. The Glendale Heights teen pleaded innocent Monday.

Krueger was found unconscious about 3 a.m. Dec. 19 on a sidewalk on the 1200 block of Pleasant Avenue, steps from his home. His dog remained at Krueger's side, its leash still in his hand.

Authorities rarely hold preliminary hearings in DuPage County. Instead, they seek a grand jury indictment. Prosecutors held Monday's hearing, though, to lock in Zuno's eyewitness account early.

He identified Beltran, seated feet away in court, as the shooter. Zuno said they then awoke their friend, 19-year-old Darryl Andrade, who was inside his apartment.

The trio ran into Beltran's younger brother, Israel, 18, as they headed for their car. The four climbed into a 1991 Honda Accord, which Andrade drove. Zuno said he saw Isaias Beltran pass his brother something wrapped in a towel or shirt.

"I believed it was the gun," Zuno testified Monday.

A police officer on patrol stopped them one-quarter mile away for a traffic violation. Zuno said both he and Israel Beltran fled on foot.

Minutes later, another police officer investigating a complaint of a barking dog discovered Krueger.

Glendale Heights Detective Michael Huff testified they recovered a .22-caliber revolver and Krueger's key chain in a discarded bag. Police believe it is the murder weapon, but experts couldn't rule with certainty because the bullet's deterioration.

Isaias Beltran is the only one charged with murder. His brother, Israel, faces obstructing justice charges on suspicion he discarded the gun and key chain. Andrade is facing marijuana charges.

Zuno is on juvenile probation for an earlier crime. As part of his probation, he wasn't supposed to have gang contacts. He remains in custody, but hasn't been charged with a new crime.

Michael Mara, a senior assistant public defender, pointed out Zuno told police several stories during three days of interrogations. Zuno also admitted being under the influence of marijuana during the slaying.

DuPage Circuit Judge George Bakalis ruled enough probable cause exists to continue the criminal case.

Krueger was an organ donor. Since his death, seven other people have received his organs to continue living. A fund has been established to help his family, which includes a wife and two children.

For more information, visit www.coreykruegerfamily fund.org or write to Corey Krueger Family Fund c/o Shaun Krueger, 512 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304.