Buritto Express Murderer Convicted

Kenneth Smith

A press release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office:

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that 35-year old Kenneth Smith was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Attempt Armed Robbery.

The evidence at trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant shot Raul Briseno outside of the Burrito Express Restaurant in McHenry on March 6, 2001.

Lou Bianchi

The jury deliberated approximately 20 hours before rendering the verdict.

A sentencing hearing will be held April 26, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.

“I’m happy about the decision of the jury. It’s a good decision not only for the community, but for the lawyers in our office.

“Thirty-six people have now found Ken Smith guilty of murder. It’s important to our community to know that we have a lot of competent lawyers in our office fighting to keep our community safe and a good place to raise a family.

“Nick Combs is one of the finest attorneys in the State of Illinois and I’m proud to work with him.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Combs, David Johnston and David Metnick and was investigated by the McHenry City Police Department with the assistance of the McHenry Investigative Assistance Team.


Comments

Buritto Express Murderer Convicted — 3 Comments

  1. No, I don’t think the evidence at the trial, at least as reported in the Northwest Herald, proved anything. Saying so, doesn’t make it so. For whatever reason, the jury made its decision “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Or was it, “Give him a fair trial and string him up”?

    If I am ever to be charged with a serious crime, you can bet that I will beat a path out of this county and out of the USA. Can somebody get a fair trial in McHenry County?

    How about the Gauger trial? How about that guy in Harvard who shot a vicious dog in self-defense, but then was convicted of a felony?

    Why do you think Lou Bianchi chose a bench trial? I’ll bet he knew better than to trust his fate to a jury in this county!

    What will be the result of the appeal?

  2. Gus, you have worn out your usefulness…Bianchi doesn’t chose a bench trial, the defendant does…and it happens everyday…if you rely on the NW Herald for the facts that were heard at trial, I am sorry…I would guess that Bianchi’s staff did a good job and should be commended.

  3. Jim, I assume that Gus was referencing Lou Bianchi’s criminal trials wherein he was the defendant.

    At both trials, Bianchi waived a jury.

    That said, the substantive point that Gus was making is a stretch at best.

    And, like you said, relying on the press for your facts (especially concerning what was presented at a trial) is short-sighted.

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