After more than a month of negotiations, a plea deal has been reached for a Waukegan man charged with the March 2014 shooting death of another resident in the city.
Miguel Leyva, 25, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in exchange for a sentencing range of 30 to 45 years in prison for the death of Adrian Villarreal, who was found unresponsive in his vehicle near Hickory and Center streets in Waukegan on March 15, 2014.
If convicted at trial, Leyva could have faced up to 60 years in prison, with the potential for additional years for certain enhancements.
More Top Picks Fitbit Inspire
The plea deal was presented to Judge Daniel Shanes by Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg and defense attorney Gregory Nikitas on Wednesday.
Shanes set a sentencing hearing for July 14.
Leyva has been held in Lake County Jail on $3 million bond.
According to police reports, Leyva and Villarreal had met earlier that night, and Villarreal was shot after a dispute ensued between the two men. Police said a gun was recovered during the investigation.
Twitter @jimnewton5