Weapon Used in Fatal Romeoville Shooting Found: Police

• Read: 15-Year-Old Girl Dies After Romeoville Shooting

Police said 23-year-old Erick Maya tossed the weapon as he fled on foot after he allegedly shot the 15-year-old and her 33-year-old mother as they sat in a car in their own driveway in the 300 block of Emery Avenue early Thursday. 

The teen, identified as Briana Valle, died Saturday at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. According to police, Maya walked up as Valle sat in the car and shot her point-blank in the head two times. He allegedly then turned the gun on her mother, shooting her once in the neck.

Police said a handgun was found in a yard near the intersection of 135th Street and Hickory Avenue, close to where the crime occurred. The weapon was found Sunday — three days after the shooting — during a search of the area by members of the Romeoville Police Department and Romeoville Emergency Management Agency.

Police said Maya previously dated the teenage victim.

For now, Maya is charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. 

Maya pleaded not guilty during an appearance in court via video on Saturday. He is being held on $5 million bond and is due back in Will County court on Tuesday.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Romeoville Police Department and the Will County Major Crimes Task Force.

Anyone with information in reference to this investigation is requested to contact the Romeoville Police Department at 815-886-7219. Citizens may also provide information using the anonymous tip line at 815-886-8080.