Aurora man found guilty of first-degree murder, was 16 at time of 2023 shooting

An Aurora 19-year-old was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of another 19-year-old Aurora man during a drug deal gone wrong. The defendant was 16 at the time of the fatal shooting.

An Aurora 19-year-old was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of another 19-year-old Aurora man during a what authorities said was a drug deal gone wrong. Zahmeir Andrews was found guilty of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to a Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office release. Andrews waived his right to a jury trial Kane County Judge David Kliment decided the verdict.

Andrews was 16 at the time of the fatal shooting. He was tried as an adult. He will be sentenced by Kliment on Sept. 29.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Mark Stajdohar and Adam Katz. Stajdohar said the verdict holds Andrews accountable for the “senseless killing.” Evidence presented at the bench trial before Kliment showed Andrews approached the vehicle of Edwin Varela, who was making a stop to sell illegal cannabis and vape cartridges.

Varela’s girlfriend was in the vehicle with him, according to the release. The release said Varela was in his vehicle in the area of North Glen Circle near three men and Verala was discussing money with one of the men. Andrews approached the vehicle carrying a handgun, according to the release.

When the men told Varela to exit the car, he attempted to drive away and Andrews began firing into the vehicle though the open driver’s-side window, according to the release. Varela was struck multiple times in the upper body. His girlfriend was not hit by the gunfire.

During the investigation, two other juveniles were also identified and charged in connection with the shooting. Daniel Robinson, 18, was also charged. Robinson’s case remains pending.

Andrews is eligible for a discretionary 25-year enhancement because prosecutors proved that he fired the murder weapon, according to the release. After the verdict, Stajdohar thanked Katz, the victim advocates and the Aurora Police Department. “No family should have to endure the loss we’ve seen here, and I hope this verdict brings some measure of justice to [Varela’s] loved ones,” Stajdohar said in the release.

Andrews remains in custody at the Kane County jail.