An Aurora man was found guilty in the 2020 strangling death of Natalie Jimenez, his 20-year-old girlfriend and mother of his 3-year-old child.
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced Friday that Getzuri Arellano, 24, was found guilty of first degree murder after a bench trial in front of David Kliment.
In the early morning hours of December 9, 2020, Arellano secretly went through Jimenez’ cell phone while she slept and found entries which upset him and made him question her fidelity. He confronted Jimenez in the small bathroom of the couple’s house on Indian Avenue in Aurora, where they verbally argued. At some point, the defendant grabbed Jimenez with both hands around her throat and strangled her.
The forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy testified that Jimenez’ body had contusions on the outside of her neck, including bruises appearing to be consistent with fingers caused by pressure on her neck. Her neck also exhibited fingernail abrasions, consistent with either the fingernails of the assailant who strangled her, or with her own fingers as she struggled to try and free herself. Her face and eyes displayed a large amount of burst blood vessels, known as petechia, caused by pressure on the veins of her neck. The forensic pathologist also detailed internal injuries to her neck.
“I cannot express how sad and tragic this case is,” State’s Attorney Mosser said. “Natalie’s brutal murder by the very hands of the man who was supposed to love her, who was the father of her child, is symptomatic of the scourge of domestic violence we unfortunately see every day. A young mother who had raised a child through infancy and as a toddler never got to see that child walk up to his first day of kindergarten, and will never get to see him grow as a young man.
“That was all needlessly taken from her. Myself and all of my employees want to express our continued condolences to Natalie’s family, who have stayed steadfast in their support and loyalty throughout the pendency of this prosecution.”
Arellano’s bond was revoked following the guilty verdict. The case will again be in court on May 17, 2024, for any post-trial motions and sentencing. Arellano faces a sentencing range of between 20 years and 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
