NAPERVILLE, IL — The 2018 Naperville murder case that shook the community has finally reached a verdict.
Ernest Collins, a 27-year-old Rockford resident, has been declared guilty by a DuPage County jury in the tragic killing of Michael Armendariz. The case revolved around a deceptive Snapchat message that played a pivotal role in luring the victim to his death.
In January 2018, Armendariz reportedly received a Snapchat message from Cassandra Green, one of Collins’ co-defendants. Lured by the message, he left his apartment only to be ambushed by Collins. In a chilling sequence of events, Collins shot Armendariz twice from behind. With the alleged assistance of Candice Jones, Collins’ mother and second co-defendant, Armendariz’s body was concealed in a garbage can in Chicago. The perpetrators further intruded into Armendariz’s residence, committing burglary the following day.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin commented on the heart-wrenching impact of the crime, emphasizing that this verdict might bring a semblance of peace to Armendariz’s grieving loved ones.
As the legal proceedings progress, Collins is scheduled for sentencing on November 29, 2023, where he could face a life term. It remains crucial to remember that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
