Lake County Gazette

A man has been convicted of first-degree murder for a shooting death in Waukegan, Illinois, in 2020. The verdict was reached after a five-day jury trial in Lake County, and the man now faces a prison sentence ranging from 20 to 60 years.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart commented on the conviction in a press release from his office. "Mr. Kirby committed a cold-blooded and calculated murder that he contemplated as he made the long drive from Joliet, Illinois, to Waukegan. Mr. Kirby then laid in wait for his victim. This type of planned murder warrants a very lengthy prison sentence," said Rinehart. "Our experienced trial team from the Violent Crimes Unit did an outstanding job."

According to a press release from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, Kirby, aged 34, was charged in March 2021 following an investigation by the Waukegan Police Department. On August 26, 2020, police officers from Waukegan and Park City responded to reports of shots fired outside a motel in Waukegan. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered the victim who had been shot six times. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The same press release also mentioned surveillance footage presented during the trial which showed Kirby arriving at the motel in a vehicle registered under his name. Officers used this video evidence that depicted Kirby and two other individuals waiting for the victim to exit the motel. Subsequent footage showed them chasing the victim to the side of the building where officers later found him deceased. A key fob that unlocked Kirby's vehicle was discovered near where the victim's body was found. Additionally, cellphone and tollway records placed Kirby at the crime scene.

Kirby's next court hearing is scheduled for May 1st as per information provided by Lake County State's Attorney's Office press release. The trial judge has revoked his ability to post a cash bond. Kirby had been held in Lake County Jail on a $2 million bond.