A 19-year-old west suburban man who fatally shot his cousin and left the body on the side of a road near West Chicago last week has been ordered held on a $2 million bond.
James Hernandez faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery, according to a statement from the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
About 11 p.m. on Nov. 20, sheriff’s deputies discovered 27-year-old Enrique Hernandez on the side of the road near DuPage Road and High Lake Avenue in unincorporated West Chicago, according to the statement.
Hernandez, of West Chicago, had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, where he was pronounced dead, according to the statement.
Enrique and James Hernandez were in a vehicle together just before the murder and James shot Enrique in the head, then pushed his body out of the vehicle and drove away, according to the statement. James also stole Enrique’s cellphone, wallet and money clip after shooting him.
Police said Enrique Hernandez was a documented gang member who was targeted in an isolated attack.
“Nine days ago, Enriue Hernandez was brutally murdered, allegedly by his own cousin,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in the statement.
“While nothing can be done to bring Enrique back to those who loved him, the outstanding work of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office will allow us to bring a strong prosecution against the man who allegedly took his life,” Berlin said.
James Hernandez, of the 300 block of Clayton Street in West Chicago, was ordered held on a $2 million bond in court Sunday by Judge Joseph Bugos He is next scheduled to appear in court Dec. 28.
