Elgin man pleads guilty to '09 murder, gets 35 years

One of three Elgin men charged in the fatal shooting of a Rochelle woman early last year pleaded guilty Monday and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Raul Perez-Gonzalez, 19, of the 900 block of Jefferson Street, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder in a plea deal reached just before he was scheduled to stand trial in Kane County.

Authorities said Perez-Gonzalez was the driver of a white Ford Expedition from which 22-year-old Paola Rodriguez of Rochelle was shot shortly before 10 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2009.

The shooting on Elgin's east side followed a heated exchange between rival gangs outside a fast-food restaurant on Bluff City Boulevard.

After the verbal confrontation, authorities said, Perez-Gonzalez and two co-defendants pulled alongside Rodriguez's car and shot Rodriguez once in the head as she drove on the 600 block of Raymond Street.

The man suspected of firing the gun, Tony Rosalez, 20, remains charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Also facing two counts of murder and one count of obstructing justice is Manith Vilayhong, 22, who is accused of calling the shots and helping Perez-Gonzalez wash the Expedition's exterior to remove gunshot residue.

Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti said Perez-Gonzalez was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder and an additional 15 years because a firearm was involved.

Under the terms of the plea deal, however, Barsanti said Perez-Gonzalez would not have to serve the 15-year term if he testifies against Rosalez.

He said the same deal has been offered to Vilayhong, who is expected to corroborate Perez-Gonzalez's testimony.

"It's crucial to prosecute the shooter," Barsanti said. "With gangs, you have people you need to talk to get the evidence you need to get. You have to give something to get something."

Perez-Gonzalez previously was scheduled for trial in June, but the case was delayed when a 24-year-old man interfered with jury selection by approaching potential jurors and writing down information from their name badges in the courthouse hallway, prosecutors said.

The incident led to a mistrial for Perez-Gonzalez and charges against Brian D. Long of Schaumburg, who remains in the county jail.

Vilayhong, of the 400 block of Prospect Street, and Rosalez, of the 400 block of Sherman Avenue, are due back in court Sept. 10 and 16, respectively.

Both men remained in the county jail Monday. Their attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.