A 37-year-old Joliet man was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder stemming from a 2016 bludgeoning death in Homer Glen.

       Javier Heredia-Rios, of the 300 block of Eastern Avenue in Joliet, was found guilty of four counts of murder and one count of concealing a homicide of another Joliet man, according to a news release from the Will County state’s attorney’s office. According to authorities, Heredia-Rios used a hammer to bludgeon Oscar Garrido-Castro, who was 36 at the time of his death.

       Will County sheriff’s authorities said in 2016 the two men were longtime acquaintances and were together at Mora Builders in Homer Glen, where Heredia-Rios worked. The two men allegedly argued about sexual advances made toward Heredia-Rios, police said at the time.

       The argument escalated and Heredia-Rios struck Garrido-Castro in the head with the hammer and then strangled him, authorities said. Heredia-Rios then drove to then 1700 block of Rosalind Avenue in Joliet Township and left the vehicle, with Garrido-Rios’ body inside.

       After discovering the vehicle, police learned of the escalating situation between the two men after speaking with the victim’s family. Heredia-Rios was arrested at his home, 11 hours after the discovery of the vehicle and Garrido-Castro’s body.

       The guilty verdict comes after a bench trial, held in November, before Will County Judge Sarah Jones, who announced the verdict Friday. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18. Heredia-Rios is eligible for up to 60 years in prison on the murder charges and five years for the concealment of a homicide charge, according to the state’s attorney’s office.

       Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

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