Rockford man found guilty of murder, concealing a homicide

Online Staff Report

A Rockford man was found guilty of first-degree murder and concealing a homicidal death June 2, and now faces 60 years behind bars, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced Tuesday, June 7.

Juan Blanco, 45, was found guilty after a jury trial in front of Judge Joseph McGraw.

Blanco’s conviction stems from a 2009 incident at the Gem Suburban trailer park, where the body of Felix Rojas-Perez was found in a parked car. Autopsy reports later determined he died from gunshot wounds to the head.

Physical evidence including a spent shell casing, fingerprints inside the victims car and footprint impressions linked Blanco to the murder, prosecutors said. It is believed Rojas-Perez was shot in the driver’s seat of his car before his body was dragged into the backseat.

First-degree murder is a Class M felony punishable by 20 to 60 years imprisonment. A Class 3 felony, concealment of a homicidal death is punishable by two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

A sentencing date has not been announced.

Print This Article