A former Vernon Hills resident has been found guilty of second-degree murder and other felonies in a 2021 Thanksgiving weekend parking lot shooting outside Gurnee Mills mall, which was filled with holiday shoppers at the time.
A Lake County jury found Joey Gonzalez guilty on all counts following the conclusion of his trial Friday, according to prosecutors.
Gonzalez was convicted in the death of Jonathan Denicolas, 26, of Zion. Denicolas was fatally shot in the mall parking lot on Nov. 27, 2021.
Gonzalez and another man, Jesse Zumaya, were taken into custody months later.
According to trial testimony, Gonzalez and the victim arranged to meet at the mall. Gonzalez testified that he acted in self-defense, although prosecutors said there was no evidence that Denicolas was armed.
Gonzalez is facing a minimum of 30 years in prison on the murder charge, in addition to weapons charges including aggravated battery with a firearm. He is due back in court in August.
His co-defendant, Zumaya, is awaiting trial.
“Shooters will be held responsible for the death and destruction they are causing,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said Monday. “Our trial teams are securing justice in the courtroom, and survivors are hopefully receiving some solace by these verdicts.”
