Man found guilty of first-degree murder for Nov. 21, 2007, shooting death

From press release

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced Feb. 8 that on Friday, Feb. 5, Michael Hardin, 21, was found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm for the shooting death of Christopher Money and serious injury to Byron Sturdivant. The verdict was reached by a jury in front of Judge Gary V. Pumilia.

Nov. 21, 2007, Christopher Money and Byron Sturdivant were sitting in a pickup truck parked in the south parking lot of Kishwaukee Food & Liquor. Two men approached the vehicle and fired shots into the vehicle. A Metro Enforcement Officer was nearby, heard the shots and followed the suspects on foot.

Upon reaching a fence, one suspect was stopped and apprehended while the other suspect, Hardin, jumped the fence and fled. Both occupants of the vehicle had been shot during the incident. Money died as a result of the shooting. The surviving victim, Sturdivant, and the captured suspect both identified Hardin as the shooter.

First degree murder is a class M felony with a sentencing range of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, because of the aggravating factor of personally discharging a firearm that proximately caused the death of another, the penalty range is increased to 45 years to natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Aggravated battery with a firearm is a class X felony, with a sentencing rage of six to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., March 22, in court room 317 before Judge Pumilia.