Cops say Elgin teen died fighting back

Police say a 15-year-old Larkin High School student who, in May, became Elgin's third homicide victim of the year, died standing up for himself.

Edgar Guerra-Guzman was stabbed in the heart just after midnight on May 22 as he and his older brother fought back against two teenagers who attempted to rob them, Detective Tim Marabillas testified at an inquest last week.

Marabillas said the brothers were walking home from a skate park, where they had been hanging out with a couple of girls, when 16-year-old Christopher Peralta and 19-year-old Joshua Dunbar, both of Elgin, crept up behind them and tried to steal their backpacks.

The would-be robbery, which happened on the 300 block of North Jackson Street, turned fatal when Dunbar pulled out a knife and plunged it once into Guerra-Guzman's chest, piercing his heart, authorities said.

Deputy Kane County Coroner Amy Renwick said Guerra-Guzman bled to death.

Later, she said, "We learned his family had moved here from Mexico to get away from the violence down there."

Upon questioning, Marabillas said, Dunbar admitted to stabbing Guerra-Guzman and told police that Peralta, who hid behind a mask, was with him. Both teens are now charged with first-degree murder.

Marabillas added that the crime was not gang-related, but a senseless robbery turned even more senseless. Police inventoried the brothers' backpacks and found only school supplies and a few beers.

Police Academy: Applications are available for the next Kane County Sheriff's Citizen Police Academy.

The free program, which educates the public on how police do their jobs, starts Sept. 1 and continues through November. Class meets from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and is open to residents of Kane County.

"Past graduates have found the experience informative and rewarding," Lt. Pat Gengler said in a news release.

For more information, go to kanesheriff.com or call Sgt. John Grimes at (630) 208-2040.

National Night Out: The Kane County Sheriff's Department will celebrate this year's National Night Out Against Crime with officer meet-and-greets, displays and demonstrations.

The free event is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the sheriff's office, 37W755 Route 38, in St. Charles.