'An unprovoked and brutal attack': Homeless man found guilty of stabbing another man several times on bus two years ago
A homeless man was found guilty this past week of attempted murder for stabbing another man several times two years ago while on a bus traveling in the Libertyville/Vernon Hills area.
Lake County Judge George Strickland found Errol Shakes, 53, guilty Wednesday after a two-day bench trial, according to the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.
"This was an unprovoked and brutal attack," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said after the verdict. "This offender will be removed from the community and sent to prison after the success of our trial team."
Shakes was charged with attempted murder and other offenses on Oct. 21, 2021. Libertyville and Vernon Hills police responded just after 8 p.m. to a reported stabbing on a public bus traveling south on Milwaukee Avenue between Greentree Parkway in Vernon Hills and Gregg's Parkway in Libertyville.
Responding officers testified they found the victim with severe injuries. Video from the bus showed Shakes stabbed the victim multiple times.
Prosecutors said Shakes and the 58-year-old victim, who was not identified, had met in the past and that words were exchanged just before the stabbing.
According to reports at the time, the man stabbed by Shakes also was homeless. That man was stabbed multiple times but recovered. He'll be supported by victim specialists going forward, Rinehart said.
A knife used in the attack was recovered at the scene. Shakes got off the bus but remained in the area as police arrived.
Shakes has been in custody since his arrest. The bench trial began Tuesday with testimony of several state witnesses including law enforcement and medical personnel.
Shakes was found guilty of a single count of attempted murder, a Class X felony. That carries a sentence from six to 30 years and 85% must be served. A sentencing date was set for Jan. 19.