Bugle Staff
A Joliet man convicted of first-degree murder for fatally shooting another man in a crowded restaurant in 2013 has been sentenced to life in prison, according to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
In February, a jury found Christopher Thompson, 33, guilty of shooting Gerrardo Franchini nine times at point-blank range, while the victim was eating breakfast with his wife, 5-year-old daughter and 4-year-old niece at Louis’ Restaurant.
According to prosecutors, the two men had been involved in an ongoing dispute leading up to the incident. After walking into the restaurant and seeing Franchini, Thompson allegedly walked up to the booth and the men exchanged heated words.
Prosecutors said Thompson returned to the crowded restaurant 15 minutes later and opened fire on Franchini at close range. The victim suffered nine gunshot wounds to his face and body.
Despite efforts to conceal his face, Thompson was identified as the shooter by several eyewitnesses, including the victim’s wife.
On Sept. 7, Circuit Judge Dan Rozak handed down a life sentence, plus 60 years.
“Christopher Thompson committed a crime of unrivaled brutality, and he will never be free to walk our streets again,” Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said.