Cesar Ponce, an Aurora gang member, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the shooting death of Samuel Ortiz-Rodriguez, a 46-year-old man mistaken for a rival gang member, in 2021.
Ponce was convicted of first-degree murder in March of last year.
According to a statement from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office, Ortiz-Rodriguez was murdered outside an Aurora residence on the afternoon of May 24, 2021.
According to the statement, on May 24, Ponce, Fidel Bello, and another member of the same street gang went in search of rival gang members.
The group noticed people outside a residence while walking through an area of Aurora considered rival gang territory.
Ponce identified the individuals, one of whom was Aurora resident Ortiz-Rodriguez. Bello allegedly shot and killed him with a revolver. According to the state’s attorney’s office, Ortiz-Rodriguez was not a member of a street gang.
“Mr. Ponce has learned the hard way, as so many others have, that guns and gangs lead straight to prison.” The death of Samuel Ortiz-Rodriguez was caused by arrogance and poor decisions.
“He should be alive,” Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Anderson said.
Ponce must serve the entire 40-year sentence. He was given credit for 731 days spent in Kane County Jail.
Bello pled guilty to first-degree murder in April. His next appearance in court is scheduled for July 20.
He could face a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The third person was not charged.
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