Aurora, IL – Prosecutors announced Friday that no criminal charges will be filed against Aurora police officers involved in the 2025 fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man, concluding the use of deadly force was legally justified.
According to Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser, an independent review determined officers reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious injury during the March 19, 2025 incident involving Christopher Lepe.
Authorities said the situation began around 1:30 a.m. when a Geneva police officer spotted a suspicious vehicle linked to reports of BB gun-related incidents across multiple suburbs, including Aurora and St. Charles. When approached, Lepe allegedly attempted to flee, dragging the officer and causing a serious knee injury.
Police later located the vehicle, leading to a pursuit involving Aurora police and Kane County Sheriff’s deputies. According to investigators, Lepe allegedly drove at high speeds, ignored traffic controls, and was eventually stopped using spike strips in Aurora.
Officers said Lepe exited the vehicle holding what appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle. Authorities later confirmed the weapon was an air gun. According to the report, Lepe allegedly pointed the rifle in multiple directions, including toward an officer, prompting two officers to fire.
Lepe was struck multiple times. Officers provided medical aid before he was transported to Rush-Copley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. A coroner later determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds. Toxicology reports showed a blood alcohol level of .125 and the presence of cannabis.
Mosser stated there is no evidence any officer acted unlawfully. The investigation, conducted under Illinois law requiring independent review of police-involved deaths, is now closed.
