Sentencing in Darien triple-murder set for July 15
A DuPage County judge on Thursday set a July 15 sentencing date for a man convicted of orchestrating the murders of three members of his ex-girlfriend's family.
Johnny Borizov, 31, of Willow Springs, faces a life term for the slayings of Darien residents Jeffrey and Lori Kramer and their 20-year-old son Mike. The sentence is mandatory because Borizov was convicted of at least two murders.
Judge Daniel Guerin also plans to hear post-trial arguments, including a defense motion for a new trial.
In the motion, Borizov's attorneys say the court erred during jury selection and admitted improper evidence, including an interrogation video in which a prosecutor tells Borizov co-defendant Jacob Nodarse he “seem(s) like an honest guy” and that Borizov “manipulated” him.
The defense, which says it should have been allowed to cross-examine the prosecutor on the video, also argues jurors should have heard testimony from Borizov's former attorney, who they say would have corroborated statements Borizov made indicating he was aware Nodarse had confessed and implicated him.
Nodarse, 26, formerly of Countryside, has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to fatally shooting the Kramers inside their home in March 2010 at Borizov's behest.
In exchange for his plea and key testimony at the Borizov trial in April, Nodarse was spared a mandatory life term but still could receive anywhere from 45 years to life.
His sentencing date has not been set.