Additional charges pending

By Katie Trusk

DeKALB | While Luis Noriega’s family is busy planning the next couple of days for his wake and funeral, DeKalb police are piecing together his last hours.

While witnesses said there were multiple people outside of Reilly’s on Sunday morning, only Nathan Schrank, 21, of DeKalb, has been charged with aggravated battery.

“I’m hoping by the end of this week we got all the charges that we’re giving out,” said Lt. Jim Kayes of the DeKalb Police Department. “There’s only one name we’re questionable on; he wouldn’t sit for an interview. There were a bunch of guys with [the offender] and there’s accountability issues. Even if you’re not the guy who strikes the fatal blow, it can be an issue.”

The office of the city clerk stated that Schrank had court Tuesday morning and his case is on continued status until

8:45 a.m. May 2.

Another victim was injured during the encounter Sunday.

“A boy stepped in and tried to defend [Noriega]. He was treated and released from Kishwaukee [Community Hospital],” said Adina Morfoot, sister of Callie Sears, Noriega’s girlfriend. “He has a fractured bone in his face and is having problems seeing. He went to a hospital downtown. They’re talking about plastic surgery.”

DeKalb police are continuing to conduct interviews with all those involved and are in contact with the state’s attorney’s office.

“There’s also a second victim we want to do an in-depth with,” Kayes said. “We’re hoping to get with the state’s attorney. It’s ultimately up to [them] with what they’re going to charge.”

Visitation for Noriega will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home, 364 Division St., Elgin. The funeral home has a memorial fund to help defer the costs of Noriega’s funeral.

The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 272 Division St., Elgin.

His burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1001 Villa St., Elgin.