US News
Illinois man using leaf blower shot, killed by neighbor in his own driveway
An Illinois man using a leaf blower on his property was shot and killed by his own neighbor this month, becoming the latest in a string of high-profile shooting victims targeted while doing everyday tasks.
William Martys was found dead in his Antioch Township driveway around 7:35 p.m. on April 12 with a gunshot wound to his head, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. He was declared dead at a local hospital.
After an investigation, authorities on Tuesday arrested Martys' 79-year-old neighbor, Ettore Lacchei, who they say approached Martys and began arguing with him. During the dispute, Lacchei shot and killed Martys.
MORE: Instacart delivery workers in Florida shot at after going to the wrong address, police say
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of William Martys, who was senselessly murdered," said Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg. "The members of the sheriff’s office are relentless when it comes to seeking justice for victims. The members of our Criminal Investigations Division have been working around the clock to bring Mr. Martys’ murderer to justice, and I am happy Mr. Martys’ family can begin the closure and healing process.”
Lacchei is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond in the county jail.
In a press release, the sheriff’s department said that Lacchei had "various perceived grievances" with Martys."
A neighbor of both men confirmed that History to Chicago ABC station WLS, claiming that Lacchei had pulled a gun on Martys at least once before.
MORE: Dad speaks out on 20-year-old killed in wrong driveway shooting: 'Kaylin deserves justice'
"No one deserves anything like that and it's just kind of crazy to think that someone can just break like that over just a simple argument that can be fixed just talking," said neighbor JR McCarty.
Investigators found the likely murder weapon near Lacchei's property line, the sheriff's office said.
Martys' daughter, Jacquelyn Martys, told The Washington Post that the family had no comment on her father's death.
"We are trying to deal with the tremendous loss,” she said.
-
US News1h ago
Winner of $1.3B Powerball Jackpot Is an Immigrant From Laos Who Has Cancer
-
US News1h ago
Judges Rule West Virginia and North Carolina’s Transgender Care Coverage Policies are Discriminatory
-
US News7h ago
Ukrainian-born Congresswoman Voted Against $61B Additional Aid for Her Homeland
-
US News13h ago
Jill Stein Calls Her Arrest at Campus Protest a ‘Bad Look’ for Washington University and Police
-
US News13h ago
Tornadoes Kill Four in Oklahoma as Governor Issues State of Emergency for 12 Counties
-
US News19h ago
Harvey Weinstein Hospitalized After His Return to New York City From Upstate Prison
-
US News19h ago
Tornadoes Strike in Nebraska and Iowa, Destroying Homes
-
US News1d ago
The Only Answer to the Country’s Troubles