DuPage County, IL – A man accused of opening fire inside a crowded children’s amusement park in Villa Park in 2021 has been found guilty on three Class X felony counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. The ruling came this morning after a four-day bench trial that concluded November 24.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, 29-year-old Meco Norris was convicted of all charges stemming from the November 13, 2021, shooting at Safari Land, an indoor amusement venue located at 701 W. North Avenue. Prosecutors said Norris and the victim were attending a birthday party when Norris allegedly drew a handgun and shot the man three times—once in the chest, shoulder, and arm—sparking chaos inside the crowded facility.
Police responded around 6:56 p.m. and later determined Norris fled the scene, discarding the firearm in a nearby neighborhood behind Safari Land. He was taken into custody the next day at his Chicago residence. The victim survived after being transported to a local hospital.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the shooting placed dozens of children and families in danger, calling Norris’ actions an “utter disregard for public safety.” Officials said Norris has remained in custody since November 15, 2025, after a judge set bond at $1 million.
Norris is scheduled to return to court February 4, 2026, for post-trial motions and review of a pre-sentencing report. Sentencing is set for February 18, where he faces 18 to 90 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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