Witness Fatal Elgin shooting was gang retaliation

A former gang member who witnessed the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Rochelle woman in Elgin last month testified Friday against two acquaintances now charged with murder.

Jose Gonzalez, 21, who was granted immunity for taking the stand, said the killing was the result of a heated verbal exchange between rival gang members. He testified at a preliminary hearing in Kane County Circuit Court for Elgin residents Manith "C.T" Vilayhong, 22, and Tony Rosalez, 18, who are each charged with first-degree murder in the death of Paola Rodriguez.

Gonzalez said he was riding in a white Ford Expedition with the defendants and two other men Jan. 30 when they spotted several rival gang members outside a fast-food restaurant on Bluff City Boulevard.

After exchanging words and gang signs, the Expedition left the area but was quickly turned around at the urging of Vilayhong, Gonzalez said. The Expedition returned and pulled alongside a car on nearby Raymond Street that was being driven by Rodriguez at that point, and Rosalez leaned out of the passenger side window and fired, Gonzalez testified. Rodriguez was shot in the head.

The men in the sport utility vehicle then drove to a car wash, where Vilayhong and Rosalez cleaned off gunshot residue, according to Gonzalez. Gonzales said that he, Vilayhong and Rosalez were later dropped off at a party.

Both attorneys for Vilayhong and Rosalez waived their right to cross-examine witnesses at the hearing, telling Judge T. Jordan Gallagher that the state didn't give them enough time to review discovery exhibits. Outside of court, they declined to comment further.

Gonzalez identified himself as a former gang member. He said he had known Vilayhong only for a few days before the shooting but had been friends with Rosalez for years.

Gonzalez said the vehicle was owned and being driven by Raul Perez-Gonzalez, 18, of Elgin, who also is charged with first-degree murder. A fifth passenger, whom Gonzalez said was not a gang member, was not charged.

Assistant Kane County State's Attorney Greg Sams said Friday that prosecutors may seek the death penalty for Rosalez and Vilayhong but no final decision has been made.

Rosalez and Vilayhong are scheduled for arraignment on April 9. Perez-Gonzalez, who is not related to Jose Gonzalez, is scheduled for arraignment April 15.