Ill. man accused of fatally shooting neighbor over loud leaf blower

ANTIOCH, Ill. (TCD) — A 79-year-old man is in custody after allegedly shooting his 59-year-old neighbor in the head during an argument.

According to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, on April 12 at approximately 7:35 p.m., deputies responded to a home on the 40700 block of North Black Oak Avenue to a report of an unresponsive man in the driveway.

Upon deputies’ arrival, paramedics were attempting lifesaving measures on William Martys, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

Upon further investigation, officials learned Martys was using a leaf blower in his yard when his neighbor, Ettore Lacchei, approached him, and the two began to argue about the gardening implement. Lacchei then allegedly fatally shot Martys.

Investigators recovered a firearm near Lacchei’s property.

Officials served a search warrant and arrested Lacchei without incident on April 25. He was booked into the Lake County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder and is scheduled to appear in court May 25.

Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Chris Covelli told WBBM-TV Lacchei allegedly “had confrontations with many different neighbors that live up and down that street,” but “this wasn’t the first time that he was seen with a firearm.”

In a statement, Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of William Martys, who was senselessly murdered. The members of the sheriff’s office are relentless when it comes to seeking justice for victims.”

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart added, “I am proud of the work of the Sheriff’s Office, our First Assistant Lauren Callinan, and Chief of Criminal Jeff Facklam who worked closely with detectives on this investigation. Once again, easy access to firearms has turned a dispute into a deadly crime. We will support the victims and seek justice in the courtrooms.”