Chicago man sentenced to 24 years for 2021 shooting at Safari Land in Villa Park

A Chicago man was sentenced to 24 years in prison Wednesday for a 2021 shooting during a child’s birthday party at the Safari Land indoor amusement park in Villa Park.

Meco Norris, 30, was found guilty in December in DuPage County Court of three felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. Norris was sentenced to eight years on each of the three counts to be served consecutively.

Authorities say Norris was at a birthday party for his daughter on Nov. 13, 2021, when he shot the boyfriend of the girl’s mother three times, hitting him in the right chest, shoulder and elbow.

Norris fled the scene and hid the gun in a residential neighborhood behind Safari Land. He was arrested the following day at his Chicago residence and has been in custody since.

Norris must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.