In the apparent escalation of a dispute over a Kane County man's girlfriend, Antwan D. Youngblood beat the man within an inch of his life with a baseball bat (Fox Chicago).
Youngblood, 31, was convicted last week for the incident on charges of attempted murder, armed violence and two counts of aggravated battery. The trial lasted two days and the jury deliberated for four hours, according to the article.
He faces up to 30 years in prison.
On June 28, 2008, Youngblood stopped his car and shouted angrily after it was hit by a BB gun fired from a rooftop. He got back into his car and left, returning soon after with another man.
According to Kane County State's Attorney's office, the two met the victim Antonio Wright - 21 at the time - and "a witness." A verbal altercation ensued, followed by a fist fight.
Youngblood then went back to his car to retrieve a baseball bat and began chasing Wright. He hit the victim three times on his head, shattering his skull.
The Tribune reports that "following the attack, the victim has experienced memory, vision, speech and balance problems - which likely are going to be permanent."
Youngblood's Illinois criminal attorney argued his client acted in self-defense. But this was rejected out-of-hand by prosecutor Dan Carter in his closing argument:
"Don't be fooled by this self-defense garbage. He was angry and he took it out on Antonio Wright."
Youngblood has been in jail on a $1 million bond since his arrest. The bond was revoked upon conviction and he will be sentenced on March 4.
- Early release inmate returned for attempted murder (AP, via FindLaw)
- Attempted Murder (Illinois General Assembly)
- Find a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer (FindLaw)
