On April 12, 2023, William Martys, a 59-year-old resident of Antioch, Illinois, was found dead in his driveway with a gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred around 7:35 p.m. in the 40700-block of North Black Oak Drive in Antioch Township. Martys had been using a leaf blower in his yard when the altercation took place.
The dispute began when Ettore Lacchei, Martys' 79-year-old next-door neighbor, approached him. According to investigators, the two men argued, and during the argument, Lacchei allegedly shot Martys in the head. Employees of Martys' construction company, who had arrived at his home shortly after the shooting, called the police. Martys was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead.
Lacchei was arrested on April 26, 2023, following a two-week investigation by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond. The investigation revealed that Lacchei had a history of conflicts with Martys, including a previous incident where Lacchei had pulled a gun on Martys. Witnesses described Lacchei as a hot-headed neighbor who frequently escalated arguments by brandishing firearms.
The police found what they believed to be the murder weapon near Lacchei's property line. The incident was not considered a stand-your-ground case, as Martys was found on his own property. The Lake County Sheriff's Office emphasized their commitment to seeking justice for the victim and his family, allowing them to begin the closure and healing process.
Lacchei's arrest was significant, as prosecutors noted that he had planned to travel to Italy and would likely have been out of the country if the arrest had been delayed even by a few days. Lacchei appeared in court on the day of his arrest, where his bond was denied. He is due back in court in May for further proceedings.
