On the evening of January 14, 2018, Naperville resident Michal Armendariz was murdered execution-style, with two shots to the back of the head, in an SUV five miles from his apartment.
Yesterday, a jury found a former Rockford man, 27-year-old Ernest Collins, guilty in the murder.
The jury returned their guilty verdicts after approximately one and one half hours of deliberations following a four-day-long trial in front of Judge Michael Reidy. Additionally, the jury also found Collins guilty of Armed Robbery with a Firearm, a Class X Felony. Collins is one of three individuals charged with the murder.
At approximately 9:11pm on the night of his murder, Armendariz received a Snapchat message from one of Collins’ co-defendants, after which Armendariz left his apartment and got into a black, 1999 Ford Explorer in the parking lot of the apartment complex. After approximately five minutes of driving, Collins emerged from hiding in the back of the Explorer and shot Armendariz twice in the back of the head.
The accomplices then went to the residence of Collins’ second co-defendant and 43-year-old mother in Chicago, and placed Armendariz’s body in a garbage can which was later moved to the garage of the vacant house next door. Collins and one of his co-defendants took Armendariz’s apartment keys and burglarized his apartment the following day.
Armendariz’s body was discovered several months later and an investigation was undertaken by the Chicago and Naperville Police Departments. The investigation ultimately led to the apprehension of all three defendants.
“This afternoon, a jury found Ernest Collins guilty of firing two bullets into the back of Michael Armendariz’s head, killing him execution style,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said after the verdict. “This senseless murder left Michael’s family and friends with just his memory as they continued their lives without him. While nothing can be done to bring Michael back to those who loved him, perhaps today’s guilty verdicts will bring some measure of solace knowing the man responsible for his murder will be held accountable.”
Collin’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 29, 2023, for return of the Pre-sentence Report and post-trial motions.
Jones’ next court appearance is scheduled for October 19, 2023, while Green’s next appearance is scheduled for October 16, 2023. Both Jones’ and Green’s cases are in front of Judge Reidy. Collins faces a penalty of up to natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
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