Man sentenced for killing teen sitting in truck on New Year’s Day near Collinsville
A Collinsville man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for fatally shooting a fellow teenager in a vehicle in State Park Place in the middle of the afternoon on New Year’s Day.
Albert Campos, then 18 and now 20, pleaded guilty on Friday to first-degree murder in Madison County Circuit Court, according to a news release from State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s office.
The victim was Miguel D. Villegas-DeSantiago, 18, also of Collinsville. He was killed while sitting in a pick-up truck on Jan. 1, 2023, in the 3300 block of Princeton Avenue in State Park Place, an unincorporated community west of Collinsville.
A co-defendant, Matias L. Herrera, 27, of Granite City, drove Campos to the crime scene, the news release stated. Herrera was sentenced in January to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon.
“I pray that the resolution of these cases can be a step toward healing for the family and loved ones of Miguel, who by all accounts was a completely innocent victim in this senseless tragedy,” Haine stated in the news release on Friday.
“I’m thankful for the quick response by our law enforcement agencies and their thorough investigation. Their exemplary work resulted in the successful prosecution of the perpetrators.”
Madison County Sheriff’s Office called in the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis to help with the investigation. At the time, officials reported that Campos walked up to the truck and fired several shots before getting back into Herrera’s vehicle and fleeing.
Villegas-DeSantiago was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital, where he died of gunshot wounds.
“The community should know that this was not a random act of violence,” Haine said at a news conference on Jan. 3, 2023, in Edwardsville, confirming that the victim and suspects knew each other.
Madison County Capt. Brian Koberna, speaking at the news conference as Major Case Squad deputy commander, praised investigators for solving the murder and apprehending the suspects within 14 hours.
Campos initially was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and one count of reckless discharge of a firearm. Herrera initially was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
About 25 investigators from the Major Case Squad worked with law enforcement from Madison County, Collinsville Police Department and Illinois State Police.
“We investigated over 70 leads and executed numerous search warrants with more forthcoming,” Koberna said at the time. “This case was a good example of good old-fashioned police work with persistency and dedication.
“I understand that we can’t undo a horrible act, but I hope the victim’s family, friends and associates find solace in the fact that the killers are caught. The case will now be turned over to the court system, and we pray that fair justice is served.”
