PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Bellwood Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Battery with a Firearm in Tobacco Store Murder
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced today that Kenneth Bardlett, 20, (d.o.b. 10/20/1993) of 49th Avenue, Bellwood, entered a plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, a Class X Felony, for his role in the murder of Hussein Saghir. As part of his plea agreement, Bardlett will be required to testify truthfully against any and all co-defendants involved in the murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 25, 2014 for status. No sentencing date has been set.
It is alleged that on January 10, 2014, Bardlett and at least one accomplice, encountered Saghir and his brother outside the Sam’s Tobacco and Foodmart store in Bensenville as Saghir was preparing to close up the store for the evening. It is further alleged that after a brief altercation between the men, Saghir was shot and killed. It is further alleged that after the incident, Bardlett and his accomplices fled the scene. An investigation led by the Bensenville Police Department, the Major Crimes Task Force and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office led authorities to the men. The investigation into the murder continues.
Two other men have already been charged in relation to the crime. On February 23, 2014, bond was set at $2.5 million with 10% to apply for Tremayne Davis, 23 (d.o.b. 10/2/1990) of 1417 N. Lotus, Chicago. Davis is facing First Degree Murder and Attempted Armed Robbery charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 16, 2014 in front of Judge Guerin. On March 20, 2014, bond was set at $2.5 million with 10% to apply for Stephan Russell, 20 (d.o.b. 4/21/1993) of 3503 W. Armitage, Chicago. Russell has been charged with Harassment of a Witness and Intimidation charges in relation to the case.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Bensenville Police Department and the Major Crimes Task Force for their continued efforts in holding all parties involved in the murder of Mr. Saghir responsible for their actions,” Berlin said. “They have done a tremendous job in their pursuit of justice in the name of Hussein Saghir. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond for his extended efforts over the past two and one half months in securing very strong cases against these defendants.”
Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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