Oswego Teen's Murder: Killer Learns His Prison Sentence

OSWEGO — Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis issued a press release on Wednesday revealing that 18-year-old killer Brian Bell Jr. of DeKalb pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and drew a 20-year prison sentence at the Illinois Department of Corrections from Kendall County Judge Jody Gleason.

Under Illinois law, Bell must serve 100 percent of the sentence. Weis emphasized.

“I cannot imagine the pain of a parent losing their child to such senseless violence," Weis announced in his press release. "An entire family has been torn apart by the greed and depravity of one individual. While no sentence will ever bring Ashton back or restore the Laatz family, my hope is that some closure occurred today for the family in recovering from this horrific tragedy.”

On December 22, 2022, Bell was the front seat passenger in a vehicle that was being driven by Ashton Laatz, of Oswego. Laatz stopped in the area of Circle Drive East in Montgomery and picked up two juvenile boys when Bell pulled out a gun to rob Laatz over a drug deal.

A struggle ensued between Bell and Laatz in the front seats and the gun discharged striking Laatz in the thigh.

After Laatz was shot, Bell and the others ran from the car as Laatz tried to drive away.

According to Weis:

Laatz only drove a couple of blocks before he crashed. Laatz was rushed to the hospital, but he died from the single gunshot wound.

Deputies from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately after the gunshots and saw a suspicious person in the area and chased after the person to Seneca Drive in Montgomery.

Two juveniles who also fled from the car were found inside the home as well as a handgun.

As for Laatz's killer, Bell managed to jump out of a back window and fled from the deputies. The handgun Bell used in the robbery was then located underneath a shed in the backyard.

Bell was apprehended after a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he has remained in custody since then.

Weis praised the hard work and dedication of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and pursuit of justice for the Laatz family. Weis also commended Assistant Ryan Phelps, who worked diligently with Weis in the prosecution.