Man gets 50 years in Villa Park beating death
A 19-year-old Chicago man was sentenced to 50 years in prison Monday for his role in what DuPage County prosecutors described as a "crime tornado" that culminated with the beating death of a Villa Park man.
Ray A. Moore will serve about 45 years of that sentence because he turned down an earlier plea deal. He had argued that since he never touched James Keniski on the day Keniski died he was not guilty of the man's murder. Moore's argument failed to sway a jury at his August trial when he was convicted of murder, home invasion and robbery.
He must serve the full 40 years he received for the murder conviction, 85 percent of the seven-year sentence and half of the three-year sentence for robbery. The sentences will run consecutively, DuPage Circuit Judge Peter Dockery ordered. Moore will receive credit for 830 days already served at the DuPage County jail.
Moore was 17 at the time of the crime and was one of four men at Keniski's home May 16, 2007. They didn't know the Villa Park man, but were mutual friends with another man who sold drugs to Keniski. Authorities said the foursome intended to rob Keniski. Under Illinois law, people can be held culpable for someone's death if it occurs during the commission of other illegal activities.
Keniski's wife testified that Moore was initially friendly and watched "American Idol" with her in a bedroom while the others hung out in the kitchen. She said Moore demanded money and credit cards after she asked about noise coming from the other room.
"James was the love of my life," Keena Keniski wrote. "Since his murder, I haven't been able to enjoy life the way I used to. I cry a lot and have anxiety living in a home in which I am constantly reminded of what happened."
Dockery could have sentenced Moore to between 20 years to 60 years for the murder. Moore asked the judge for mercy, apologizing for his actions and claiming his actions were "a mistake."
"This was not a mistake," Dockery said. "This was a deliberate, voluntary choice to rob someone."
Investigators said Keniski was pushed over a banister at the house, causing him to fall 10 feet. Then he was repeatedly kicked, suffering 16 rib fractures, a torn liver and severe head trauma. He lingered in a coma for days before succumbing to his injuries.
Two other men took plea deals and have been sentenced for their part in the crime to far less time in prison than Moore. Semaj Walker, whom investigators believe actually pushed Keniski over the banister, is still awaiting trial.