Aurora Man Gets 97 Years for Oswego Murder

Zachary Reyes of Aurora was sentenced last week to 97 years in prison for the 2009 murder of Jason Ventura and the attempted murder of Eduardo Gaytan and Jorge Ruiz. 

Reyes who was 16 at the time of the crime, was convicted in January on one count of first degree murder and another count of attempted first-degree murder.

The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 20, 2009, as the car Reyes was in drove east down Long Beach Road alongside another car. The driver of the second car, Jason Ventura of Aurora, was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Kendall County State's Attorney Eric Weis, during the investigation, found 11 shell casings, a .45 caliber handgun, and clothing which was linked to Reyes and the shooting.

"Reyes is a self admitted member of the Latin Kings street gang which is believed to be the motive for the shooting," Weis said. "Ventura was not a gang member but happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when the shooting occurred."

According to state law, Reyes must serve more than 89 years before being eligible for mandatory supervised release, Weis said.