Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted a comprehensive investigation into the murder of Martys. Sheriff’s detectives determined Martys’ next-door neighbor, Ettore Lacchei, 79, had various perceived grievances with Martys.
On April 12, 2023, while Martys was utilizing a leaf blower in his yard, he was approached by Lacchei. Lacchei argued with Martys and during the argument Lacchei shot Martys in the head.
Sheriff’s detectives recovered the firearm likely used in the murder, which was located near Lacchei’s property line.
Following a search warrant that was conducted on April 25, 2023, Lacchei was arrested without incident at his home. After reviewing the facts and circumstance of the incident, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges of two counts of first-degree murder.
Lacchei remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of William Martys, who was senselessly murdered. The members of the sheriff’s office are relentless when it comes to seeking justice for victims. The members of our Criminal Investigations Division have been working around the clock to bring Mr. Martys’ murderer to justice, and I am happy Mr. Martys’ family can begin the closure and healing process.”
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said, “I am proud of the work of the Sheriff’s Office, our First Assistant Lauren Callinan, and Chief of Criminal Jeff Facklam who worked closely with detectives on this investigation. Once again, easy access to firearms has turned a dispute into a deadly crime. We will support the victims and seek justice in the court rooms.”
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Antioch Police Department and Lake County Major Crime Task Force for their assistance in this investigation.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Antioch Township Homicide Investigation
On April 12, 2023, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 40700 block of North Black Oak Avenue, Unincorporated Antioch, for a report of an unresponsive man on a driveway.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and Antioch Paramedics were already on-scene conducting life-saving measures. The man, later identified as, William Martys, 59, of the same residence, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. Further investigation revealed Martys sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
On April 13, 2023, the Lake County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy. The autopsy revealed Martys died from the gunshot wound to the head.
Based on the preliminary information, the death is being investigated as a homicide. The investigation remains ongoing by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Major Crime Task Force.