A Bloomington teen is expected to accept a plea deal in the fatal stabbing of Nicholas Zapata, 19, of Normal.
Luis A. Monroy, 18, initially pleaded not guilty to killing Zapata. The McLean County circuit clerk confirmed Monroy’s intent to plead guilty, announced by attorneys during a pre-trial hearing on March 4. No additional details were available about the terms of the plea agreement.
Monroy was 16 at the time of the crime. He is charged as an adult and faces four counts of first-degree murder. Authorities said Zapata died from multiple stab wounds to the chest, stemming from an argument at a birthday party in south Bloomington on Sept. 23, 2023.
A probable cause statement presented in court said witnesses saw Monroy tackle and stab Zapata. Monroy told one witness not to call 911 as he fled the scene, said police, who arrested Monroy at a Heyworth residence later that night.
A plea hearing is set for April 30. Sentencing is scheduled on June 27.
