A fatal confrontation in Yorkville has led to serious criminal charges against a 21-year-old Oswego man after police said a vehicle was deliberately used to strike two people during a dispute Sunday evening.
Jacob T. Lestina is accused of hitting two pedestrians in the parking lot of a Planet Fitness in the 300 block of East Veterans Parkway at about 5:15 p.m. Sunday, according to police. One of the victims, Victor M. Hernandez Medina, 23, of Sandwich, later died from his injuries at a hospital.
The second victim survived and was treated for injuries that police described as non-life-threatening.
Police say confrontation preceded the crash
Investigators said Hernandez Medina, the second victim and another adult had arranged to meet Lestina at the Yorkville parking lot for a marijuana transaction.
According to police, an argument or brief altercation occurred during the meeting. Lestina then left the area in his vehicle.
Police said the investigation later determined that he returned to the parking lot and drove into Hernandez Medina and the other victim. Investigators said the vehicle struck the two people on multiple attempts before Lestina left the scene.
Officers responding to the parking lot found the two victims after the driver had fled.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including what led to the dispute, have not been fully detailed by authorities.
Lestina faces multiple felony charges
Lestina has been charged with three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of failing to report an accident involving personal injury or death.
Police said he was arrested Tuesday after investigators secured the charges. He was taken to the Kendall County Jail while awaiting his first court appearance.
A court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday as the case moved into the judicial process.
The charges are allegations, and Lestina remains entitled to due process as the case proceeds through court.
Victor Hernandez Medina remembered by family
Hernandez Medina’s death has also left his family facing funeral expenses. Relatives have started an online fundraiser and described the 23-year-old as a loving father, brother and cousin who was deeply valued by his family.
The death investigation and criminal case are expected to continue as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision.
For now, police say the case began with a planned meeting in a Yorkville parking lot and ended with one person dead, another injured and Lestina facing multiple serious charges.
