Kendrick Alverson, 24, was convicted of Attempt Murder (Class X Felony), Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking (Class X Felony), Aggravated Battery (Class X Felony), and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony).  

The jury trial began on Monday, March 2, 2026, lasting four days. Assistant State’s Attorneys John Brown and Scott Hoffert called twenty witnesses, including law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and expert witnesses. 

At the trial, witnesses testified that the victim was putting air into his tire when the defendant approached, displayed a handgun, and shot him. The victim was struck in the abdomen and suffered serious injuries. The shooter fled with the victim’s vehicle. He also shot at a bystander who attempted to follow him in her vehicle. 

Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers testified that on December 15, 2020, they attempted to pull over a vehicle that was speeding. When they began to initiate the traffic stop, a suspect, later identified as Alverson, led them on a 20-mile-high speed chase. He abandoned the vehicle in Oakdale, Wisconsin, and attempted to flee. Officers eventually located him at a nearby gas station, and he was taken into custody. The abandoned car was discovered to be the vehicle stolen in the Waukegan carjacking. 

Investigators testified that through surveillance video, they were able to see a suspect wearing specific items of clothing during the attack. Inside the stolen vehicle that was recovered in Wisconsin, investigators found clothing that matched that worn by the suspected shooter. Forensic testing revealed the clothing contained Alverson’s DNA.  

Officers also recovered additional evidence from the abandoned vehicle, including a firearm and a plastic bottle that tested positive for Alverson’s DNA. The key fob belonging to the victim’s stolen Toyota Corolla was recovered next to the defendant in the gas station.  

Jurors further heard evidence that investigators located a picture of Alverson wearing the same clothing seen on surveillance footage of the shooter, as well as evidence that he was at the location of the shooting at the time. 

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, “From the beginning to end, investigators, experienced prosecutors, and forensic experts worked together to get the truth to this jury. And the truth is that this incredibly dangerous offender risked many lives through his crimes. We will continue to support the victims through the sentencing and beyond.” 

Before the trial, Alverson was being held in the Lake County Jail on a $3 million bond. (This cash bond was set by a judge in March 2022, before the effective date of bail reform which now prevents individuals charged with attempt murder from posting bond if a judge so decides at the beginning of the case.) After the guilty verdict, the judge revoked Alverson's ability to post bond. 

Alverson is facing a minimum of 31 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, and up to natural life. He will be required to serve at least 85% of any sentence.  His next court hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2026, for status.