W. Chicago man gets 17 years for role in stabbing

A 19-year-old West Chicago man was sentenced Tuesday to 17 years in prison in connection with the November 2013 stabbing death of Thomas Tecuatl during an altercation in West Chicago.

Anthony Rios — one of three men charged in connection with the slaying — pleaded guilty to one count of armed violence during an appearance Tuesday before Judge Daniel Guerin, who then handed down the sentence.

Also charged in connection with the slaying are Jonathan Jimenez, 21, of Aurora, and Alejandro Martinez, 19, of West Chicago. Jimenez is being held on $1 million bail at DuPage County jail, Martinez on $800,000 bail.

Authorities say the three men attended a party on Nov. 17, 2013, on Pomeroy Street near Route 59 in West Chicago. Tecuatl, then 22, of Wheaton, also was at the party.

A dispute occurred and Tecuatl pulled a knife, authorities said. Tecuatl then left the party and was chased by a group of people, including Rios, Jimenez and Martinez. Some of those people were armed with an ax, a pipe, bricks and bottles, authorities said.

Tecuatl slipped and fell on the wet pavement, authorities said, and the three suspects began beating him. At some point, authorities said, Jimenez recovered the knife Tecuatl had dropped and fatally stabbed him.

Authorities said the three men then returned to the party.

Police were called the following morning when a resident found Tecuatl's body on his front lawn.

“This morning, Mr. Rios took responsibility for his role in the death of Thomas Tecuatl,” DuPage State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a written statement. “The cases against Mr. Jimenez and Mr. Martinez continue.”

Rios will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence — including 470 days served — before being eligible for parole.

Jimenez, who is next due in court on March 9, faces a possible life sentence if convicted. He is charged with six counts of first-degree murder and two counts of mob action.

Martinez, who is scheduled to appear in court on March 10, faces a possible sentence of 20 to 100 years in prison if convicted. He is charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of mob action.