A Bloomington teenager charged with the fatal stabbing of another teen has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Luis Monroy, 18, pleaded guilty to the 2023 murder of 19-year-old Nicholas Zapata of Normal. Zapata died from multiple stab wounds to the chest, according to the McLean County coroner.
Police said Monroy followed Zapata on foot from a party in the 300 block of Kenmore Road and attacked him unprovoked with a knife. Prior to Monroy's arrest, police said they found evidence that Monroy attempted to burn his clothing.
Monroy was 16 at the time and charged as an adult. A statement from state’s attorney Erika Reynolds said Monroy is required to serve 100% of his sentence under Illinois law; he will be eligible for parole in 20 years because he was under 21 when the crime took place.
