Man Charged With First Degree Murder In Killing Of St. Charles Man In Elgin

A 20-year-old Algonquin man has been charged with first degree murder in the killing of a man near the Metra tracks in Elgin earlier this month.

Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Metra Acting Chief of Police Patrick Gengler today announced that the accused is charged with the offenses of First-degree murder, Class X felony (4 counts); Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, Class 2 felony; and Possession of a firearm by a street gang member, Class 2 felony.

Prosecutors allege that on the evening of November 11, the accused and the victim, 26-year-old Juan C. Ambriz of St. Charles, were engaged in an argument at a homeless encampment in the vicinity of Kimball and State streets on Metra right of way in Elgin. The accused pulled a handgun from the waistband of his pants and shot Ambriz multiple times.

Ambriz was pronounced dead a short time later.

The accused will remain in custody at the Kane County jail while his case is pending. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 6, 2023, at 9am in Courtroom 311 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

“I want to thank the Illinois State Police for processing the crime scene, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in taking the defendant into custody and particularly the Elgin Police Department for going above and beyond in working with us, providing assistance with the investigation, as well as providing our detectives with space in the department to work during the investigation,” Metra Acting Police Chief Gengler said. As the incident took place on Metra property, Metra police had jurisdiction over the investigation.