Juan Garibay, 43, was convicted of first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, a class X felony.  

Garibay was first charged in August 2021, after a report of shots fired was made to Waukegan Police Department. When police officers arrived at the residence, they found two gunshot wound victims, one who was shot in the back and another who was shot in the head. The victim who was shot in his back was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The other victim was transported to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and survived the serious injuries.  

"Our trial team did an amazing job of bringing justice to two families and to the community today when a jury found Juan Garibay, guilty of first-degree murder. We assigned three prosecutors, two victim specialists, and an investigator to this matter because violent crimes, such as this one, are an enormous priority. Since the shooting in August 2021, the Waukegan Police Department and the FBI conducted an outstanding investigation of an individual who was trying to cover his tracks. The detectives' and agents' diligence paid off, and our attorneys clearly explained technical evidence to the jury. We stand with these victims and all survivors of gun violence. At sentencing, we will work to make sure this dangerous offender never hurts anyone again,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. 

The jury trial began on Monday, December 5, 2022, lasting five days, with both parties resting Thursday afternoon and closing arguments ending on Friday morning. The jury heard from over a dozen State witnesses, including one of the victims, law enforcement, medical experts, and relatives. The defendant made the choice not to testify, and his defense team called one witness to the stand.  

Law enforcement witnesses explained how Garibay’s cellphone records showed he was in the vicinity of the shooting when it happened. They also described their first interactions with Garibay and described how Garibay was wearing a piece of clothing that matched the description made by a witness who saw the shooter fleeing the scene.  Relatives gave a timeline as to when they saw Garibay the day of the shooting. Forensic experts and medical experts explained how the shooting occurred and the cause of one of the victim’s death.  

Garibay was being held at the Lake County Jail without bond while awaiting his trial. A pre-sentence investigation is to be conducted prior to the next hearing on January 17, 2023. 

The conviction of first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of 45 years to natural life, and the conviction of aggravated battery with a firearm carries a sentence of 6 to 30 years. The sentences are to be served consecutively, meaning, Garibay is facing a mandatory prison sentence of 51 years to natural life.