Manslaughter, Aggravated Battery Charges for Brothers In Fatal Fight

AURORA, IL — Charges have been brought for two Aurora men, ages 32 and 35, in connection with the death of a 36-year-old man that occurred after a fight Sunday around 12:15 a.m. The altercation happened on the first block of South State Street on the Near East Side.

Jose Alejandre, 32, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery. His brother, Raul Colin, 35, was charged with aggravated battery.

The victim, Erik Mendez, was suffering from a head injury when the police found him unconscious. Earlier that night, Mendez was at his own birthday party at a relative's yard in the first block of State Street when an argument between Colin and Mendez. It escalated into a physical fight, which spilled over onto the street, according to the Aurora Police Department. Alejandre allegedly shoved Mendez, which caused him to fall backward and hit his head on the pavement, police said.

The two brothers fled the scene but were later located by police at Alejandre's home. Mendez was airlifted to a second suburban hospital where he passed away at 8:31 p.m. Oct. 1.

An update from the Aurora Police Department confirms alcohol was a factor in the incident. Alejandre's bail was set at $750,000, Colin's at $250,000. They were both transferred to the Kane County Correctional Center where they're being held with pending court dates. The DuPage County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy.

Charges are not proof of guilt. The men are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which it is the burden of the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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