Police: 79-year-old man shot neighbor in the head during argument

An Antioch-area man approached his neighbor who was using a leaf blower on his property, argued with him and shot him in the head earlier this month, officials said April 25.

Ettore Lacchei, 79, who authorities said had perceived grievances with his neighbor, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of William Martys, 59, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s office.

The shooting happened about 7:35 p.m. April 12, according to the release. Paramedics arrived on the scene and took Martys to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators found a small-caliber handgun near Lacchei’s property line that likely was used to shoot Martys, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said. Police obtained a search warrant and executed it at Lacchei’s home. Lacchei was taken into custody without incident.

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said the office’s criminal investigations division has been “working around the clock to bring Lacchei to justice.”

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of William Martys, who was senselessly murdered,” Idleburg said.

“Once again, easy access to firearms has turned a dispute into a deadly crime,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “We will support the victims and seek justice in the courtrooms.”

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20230425/police-79-year-old-man-shot-neighbor-in-the-head-during-argument