Maya found guilty in murder of Romeoville teen

JOLIET - Throughout his two-week murder trial, Erick Maya maintained the same posture and position at the defense table. He sat slightly forward with his head down and did not look as witness after witness testified about his relationship with Briana Valle.

Though he was asked to stand, his demeanor did not change, Friday as the jury announced he was guilty on all counts.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching a verdict.

Maya, 24, was called "a coward" Friday by Assistant Will County State's Attorney Chris Koch in closing arguments. The prosecutor said Maya tried to control Valle, a 15-year-old student at Romeoville High School. When Valle ended their relationship, Koch said, Maya went to her Romeoville home on Feb. 13. There, he ambushed Valle and her mother, Alicia Guerrero, Koch said.

Valle died after being shot in the head,

Guerrero was struck near her collarbone and survived. Guerrero was at the trial and testified in tears as she described the experience of being shot with her daughter while they were in the car in their driveway. Guerrero was preparing to take her daughter to school when they were shot.

Maya was found guilty of two counts of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm by a felon. He faces at least 71 years in prison when he is sentenced by Judge Robert Livas on Oct. 20.

Guerrero sobbed frequently during closing arguments Friday morning and left the courtroom when defense attorney George Lenard said police "put their blinders on" to focus on Maya and not another suspect.

Dylan Somma, who lived on Emery Avenue where the shooting occurred, was arrested running from the police as they searched for the shooter on Feb. 13. Somma testified last week that he fled because he was wanted on outstanding warrants and police had flooded the neighborhood after the shooting.

During his testimony, Somma said he'd never met Valle, Guerrero or Maya.

About 15 minutes after beginning deliberations, the jury asked to review the transcript of Somma's testimony. After Livas read the testimony for them again, the jury deliberated for about another hour before reaching their verdict.

Guerrero turned to look up as the jurors returned, while Maya showed no reaction.

Valle's parents, a handful of family members, Romeoville police officers and reporters sat in the courtroom audience. None of Maya's family attended.