Bridgeview, Illinois – The girlfriend of a man from Bridgeview, Agnieszka Rydzewski, was arrested for allegedly conspiring with a co-worker, with whom she was in a relationship, to kill her boyfriend, authorities reported.
Rydzewski, 33, was charged with solicitation to commit murder in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Arturo Cantu, according to a spokesperson from the village of Bridgeview.
The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday when Cantu, 39, was shot twice as he was leaving his apartment on West 79th Street in Bridgeview.
During a bond hearing, Cantu’s parents were present in the Cook County courtroom, as the alleged shooter, 20-year-old Anthony Calderon from Bedford Park, was charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting. Prosecutors disclosed details about the murder timeline and Calderon’s alleged motive, suggesting that he was involved with Cantu’s girlfriend.
Prosecutors stated that Cantu was in the process of loading items into his car before heading to work when he was confronted by the individual in question, who had a blue surgical mask on. Despite attempting to defend himself with a pocket knife, Cantu was shot multiple times.
Surveillance footage captured Calderon arriving and departing from the scene in his red car, with investigators successfully tracking down the vehicle at a nearby McDonald’s, where it was revealed that he worked alongside the victim’s girlfriend.
Following the discovery of evidence linking Calderon to the crime, authorities arrested him at his residence, where he confessed to the murder and directed officers to the murder weapon.
Cantu’s family described him as a dedicated individual, a father of two who always lent a helping hand to others. They expressed their desire for justice before the court hearing.
Calderon was remanded in custody and is set to appear in court the following Tuesday, while Rydzewski is scheduled for her initial hearing on Sunday morning.