Lake County Gazette

Carnell Wesson, 31, has been convicted by a jury in Lake County of one count of Armed Habitual Criminal and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. The charges relate to a shooting incident that took place in Waukegan on December 12, 2022.

The trial commenced on October 28 and lasted three days. The jury heard testimonies from state witnesses, including law enforcement officers and forensic experts. Evidence presented showed Wesson's involvement in an argument with another individual just before shots were fired.

Law enforcement officials testified about responding to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex parking lot. They collected evidence such as 13 spent shell casings and surveillance footage capturing the incident.

Officers also responded to two separate reports of gunshot victims: one at Vista East Hospital identified as Wesson, and another at Cornelia Avenue identified as Gerald Gordon.

Surveillance footage showed a silver car entering the parking lot. Shortly after, Wesson was seen approaching the vehicle. The video depicted him interacting with someone inside before stepping back, raising his arms, and firing shots. Forensic testimony indicated that Wesson fired 12 out of the 13 casings found at the scene. He then fled to a nearby SUV.

At the time of this offense, Wesson was out on bond after being charged with multiple firearm offenses in March 2022. He was convicted for those charges in September 2023 after posting $15,000 cash bond before bail reform measures took effect.

Waukegan Police arrested Wesson in February 2023 prior to bail reform implementation. Although the State’s Attorney’s Office filed for bail denial under previous laws, it was denied by a judge who set his bond at $1.25 million instead.

Following his conviction for March 2022 offenses last year, his ability to post bail was revoked by a judge.

Lake County State’s Attorney commented on securing two successful verdicts against Wesson: “Our Violent Crime Unit has now secured two successful trial verdicts against this offender... It is unfortunate that this dangerous offender was able to use $15,000 in cash prior to the effective date of bail reform.”

The Armed Habitual Criminal charge carries potential sentences ranging from six to thirty years in prison. If served consecutively with his previous conviction sentence from March 2022 incidents—where he could face up twelve additional years—the total could reach up sixty years imprisonment if argued successfully by prosecutors during sentencing discussions scheduled November18th status hearing regarding post-trial motions