Two men have been charged with the murder and robbery of a 63-year-old man in Chicago's Norwood Park neighborhood. The case has garnered particular attention due to the revelation that one of the suspects was allegedly wearing a GPS monitoring device issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the time of the killing.
Jefferson Ubilla-Delgado, 29, and Geiderwuin Bello Morales, 21, are the accused individuals, apprehended last Thursday and charged with first-degree murder as well as robbery of someone handicapped or over the age of 60. The GPS device, worn by an unspecified suspect, allowed authorities to swiftly place them at the scene on the day of the incident, reported the Sun-Times. This detail has raised questions about the monitoring effectiveness and its role in potentially preventing such tragic outcomes.
The victim, identified as George N. Levin, was found by his sister in his basement bedroom deceased and in a disturbing state, bound with duct tape and an electrical cord, with a sock lodged in his mouth, a police report detailed. Items such as his cell phone, car keys, and wallet were reported missing, suggesting a robbery had taken place. Interestingly, the initial contact between Levin and the suspects is believed to have been facilitated through a dating app, adding a layer of premeditation to the crime.
Despite the arrest and charges put forth, Chicago police have yet to release a comprehensive motive behind the murder. Ald. Anthony Napolitano of the 41st Ward relayed to NBC Chicago that, "Originally our fear was this was a random act of violence, a home invasion, and then we found out it wasn't and that it was an arranged meet-up." The suspects are scheduled to appear at a detention hearing on Sunday, as they currently remain in custody.
