On April 12, 2021, a heated disagreement between 79-year-old Ettore Lacchei and 59-year-old William Martys became a fatal tragedy. The dispute occurred in the 40700 block of North Black Oak Avenue in Antioch, Illinois. As the argument over using a leaf blower escalated, Lacchei allegedly turned to gunfire and shot Martys in the head.
When law enforcement arrived, they found first responders and medics providing life-saving measures to Martys. He was later transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville but pronounced dead shortly after arriving. An autopsy conducted the following day revealed the cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the head.
Citing the evidence from a comprehensive investigation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office determined Lacchei as the shooter and charged him with two counts of first-degree murder.
Detectives indicated that the suspect “had various perceived grievances” with his neighbor, which initiated the violent ending. On April 25, a search warrant was executed, and Lacchei was detained and transported to the Lake County Jail in Waukegan. Judge Theodore Potkonjak denied the suspect bond, and he is set to appear in court again on May 25.
Sheriff Mark Covelli disclosed that confrontations between Lacchei and his neighbors were frequently reported, and he suggested that the lack of protective gun legislation may have catalyzed the deadly incident.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart concurred, saying the crime “once again, [demonstrates] easy access to firearms” and that the authorities are devoted to justice for Martys and his family.
The fatal incident between Lacchei and Martys serves as a reminder of how quickly a harmless disagreement can turn into a devastating tragedy due to the presence of a gun. Yet another instance of extreme gun violence underscores the call for stricter gun control laws and mandates.