Palatine teen guilty in shooting may get new trial

A Cook County judge will consider whether a Palatine teen convicted of shooting a 15-year-old boy in the head at point-blank range last year deserves a new trial.

Aurelio Diaz, now 20, was up for sentencing in Rolling Meadows Friday, but that's been delayed until his attorney's motion is heard July 2.

Diaz faces six to 30 years in prison for the Feb. 9, 2007, shooting that left the victim blind in one eye.

In March, Diaz was convicted of aggravated battery with a firearm in a bench trial before Judge John Scotillo, who acquitted Diaz of attempted first-degree murder charges.

Authorities said Diaz was fooling around with a .38-caliber gun during a party he and his brothers threw at their apartment, located in the Bourbon Street subdivision on the 700 block of East Independence Drive.

Diaz was holding the gun inches from his friend's head when it discharged, piercing the temple of the 15-year-old. His attorney described the incident as accidental.

The victim underwent brain surgery at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, followed by months of rehabilitation. He lost sight in his right eye, prosecutors said.