Second Man Charged With Murder In Killing Of Beach Park Couple

WAUKEGAN, IL — A second Waukegan man has been charged with murder in connection with the double homicide of Beach Park residents Carlos Rodas Perez and Mercedes Rodas, authorities said. The married couple was found shot to death in the garage of their Beach Park home in December after what appeared to have been a botched carjacking.

Derenell Hill, 35, of the 1700 block of Runyard Place, and Timothy Triplett, 34, of the 2100 block of Georgetown Lane, both face two counts of first-degree murder over the killing.

“Now that both individuals responsible for these heinous murders are in custody, it is our hope the family of the victims can take the first steps in the healing process," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said in a statement announcing charges against Hill.

Triplett was arrested last month, and Hill was taken into custody Wednesday morning, initially on a charge of driving with a revoked license, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

That same day, Gurnee police discovered a gun that was stolen from Carlos Rodas Perez the day of his death during a search of an apartment where Hill had recently been staying as part of what the sheriff's office described as an "ongoing investigation they are working."

Detectives from the sheriff's office presented evidence to prosecutors, and a judge approved an arrest warrant Wednesday afternoon. Hill was taken to Lake County Jail, where he has been ordered held in lieu of a $500,000 cash payment ahead of his next court appearance March 23.

Earlier: Man Charged In Double Homicide Of Beach Park Couple

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Idleburg thanked the Waukegan and Gurnee police departments for their assistance with the investigation.

"We will always do everything in our power to seek justice for the victims of crime and this is an example of our detectives doing just that, by pressing forward to ensure everyone responsible was held accountable," the sheriff said.

According to an GoFundMe campaign established to help the Rodas family, the couple were hardworking, honest people whose lives were cut short as they came home from a normal day of work.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart's office has announced the charges call for a possible life sentence.

“This calculated and brutal murder has been a top priority for the sheriff and I," Rinhart said. "And it will continue to be a priority from now until we achieve justice for the victims and their family.” State’s Attorney Rinehart said.