Crime & Safety
DuPage County, IL: Man Gets 55 Years for Girlfriend's Murder
Villa Park, IL – A 28 year old man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for murdering his girlfriend inside a suburban Chicago apartment in 2024, bringing a major DuPage County domestic violence c
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-16T15:14:39.550Z
Villa Park, IL – A 28 year old man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for murdering his girlfriend inside a suburban Chicago apartment in 2024, bringing a major DuPage County domestic violence case to a close.
According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Anthony Jimenez, formerly of the 1600 block of South Michigan Avenue in Villa Park, received the sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to first degree murder in the death of Jessica Reyes.
Judge Mia McPherson imposed the sentence following Jimenez's guilty plea on May 8, 2026.
Fatal Stabbing Followed Domestic Dispute
The killing occurred July 17, 2024, when Villa Park police responded around 10:50 a.m. to a reported domestic disturbance at an apartment on South Michigan Avenue.
Prosecutors said Jimenez told a dispatcher he had stabbed his girlfriend.
Responding officers found Reyes in a back bedroom suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officers provided emergency medical assistance before paramedics transported her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead at approximately 11:26 a.m.
Investigators determined the couple had argued earlier that morning. Reyes reportedly attempted to leave the apartment but was prevented from doing so.
After returning to collect her belongings, another argument occurred, and Jimenez fatally stabbed her.
55 Year Prison Sentence Imposed
Jimenez had remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since July 2024. He was initially denied pretrial release and later pleaded guilty to one count of first degree murder.
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin described the killing as a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence, particularly during October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Berlin also expressed condolences to Reyes' surviving family and friends.
Authorities said Jimenez must serve 100% of his 55 year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The sentencing concludes the criminal proceedings described in the State's Attorney's announcement.