By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2010 Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO (JGLi) – The suspect in the brutal murder of an elderly Filipino couple in the outlying Chicago, Illinois suburb of Rockford, pleaded not guilty on April 12, 2010, before Judge Ronald J. White of the Winnebago 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Rockford.

Winnebago County Deputy State Attorney Marilyn Hite-Ross told this reporter that the court conducted a “fitness hearing Monday and found the defendant fit to stand trial.”

Hite-Ross added following the court declaration, the defendant, Ommarian T. Jones, 25, was also arraigned Monday and had entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.

Judge White set the start of the trial on May 13, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. at courtroom 316.

Judge White had ordered Jones’ evaluation for fitness to attend trial last August but it was only Monday that the matter was resolved.

Jones was charged with two counts of first degree murder for the “blunt instrument” killing of Reynato “Ray” V. Cardino, 77, and his wife, Leticia “Letie” V. Cardino, 75, in their home at 2623 Pleasant View, Rockford, in the early evening of July 8 last year.

If convicted of murders, Jones could be sentenced to natural life or death penalty.

Hite Ross clarified that although former Illinois Gov. George Ryan pardoned all the prisoners in the Illinois Death Row and there is a moratorium in carrying out death sentence, death penalty is still in effect in the state.

Although Ms. Hite Ross would not confirm it, Jones was believed positively identified after samples of skin taken from the fingernails of the victims’ eldest son, Reyle Cardino, 51, was traced to Jones through DNA tests.

Reyle got a piece of Jones when Reyle surprised Jones as Jones was killing his parents. Jones reportedly threatened Reyle, “you are next.”

A very-calm Reyle gave Jones a spirited fight. Jones fled and left the bloodied Reyle, who sustained wounds in his face. Reyle managed to ask the help of his parents’ neighbor, Walter Pacula, across the street. Mr. Pacula called 9-1-1.

Meanwhile, Jones’ mother, Helen F. Jones, is facing with two counts of charges of obstruction of justice and destroying evidence. She also pleaded not guilty when arraigned on the charges. She did not call 9-1-1 when her son showed up at home after the killing of the couple and the injury of the couple’s son.

She is out on bail after posting $10,000 bond.

If convicted of the crime, Mrs. Jones’ penalty ranges from probation to one-to-three years in prison.

The Joneses live less than two blocks away from the victims’ home.

It was believed the suspect was trying to rob the couple, who found the suspect inside their home when they arrived.

Ray Cardino, a retired mechanical engineer who worked part-time assembling bikes at Wal-Mart, and Letie V. Cardino, retired licensed architect who worked as building inspector for the city of Rockford, were found dead by Reyle, in their 2623 Pleasant View Avenue, Rockford home.

Reyle Cardino also sustained injuries as he fought off the killer of his parents he was visiting that night. Reyle reportedly identified the killer as Ommarian T. Jones.

Reynaldo V. Cardino and Leticia Cardino are natives of Baliangao, and Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental in the Philippines. (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

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