DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced Thursday, December 11, 2025 that a former Chicago male suspect accused of shooting another man at an indoor amusement park in Villa Park in 2021 has been found guilty of three counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm that resulted in severe bodily injury to the victim, each count a Class X Felony requiring mandatory consecutive sentencing by law. Meco Norris, age 29, appeared in court Thursday morning, December 11, 2025 where Judge Joseph Bugos rendered his verdict. Today’s verdict follows a four-day bench trial which began on November 19, 2025, and concluded on November 24, 2025. On November 15, 2025, Norris appeared in Bond Court where the Court set bond at $1 million with 10% to apply. He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.
On November 13, 2021, at approximately 6:56 p.m. the Villa Park Police Department and neighboring law enforcement agencies responded to a call of shots fired at Safari Land amusement park located at 701 W. North Avenue, Villa Park. Following an investigation into the shooting authorities learned that Norris and his victim were both at Safari Land for a birthday party when Norris pulled out a handgun and shot the victim three times, once in the right chest, once in the right shoulder and once in the right arm. Following the shooting, Norris fled the scene and concealed the firearm in a residential neighborhood behind Safari Land. He was taken into custody the following day from his Chicago residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.
“What began as a fun night out for dozens of families at a popular indoor children’s amusement park, ended in terror when Meco Norris pulled out a loaded handgun and shot another man three times. “Mr. Norris’ utter disregard for public safety was on full display as he repeatedly fired his gun, just feet from dozens of innocent children and their families. We are all extremely grateful that Mr. Norris’ victim has since recovered from his injuries. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Lee Roupas, Nicole Wilkes-English, and Nick Covert for their efforts in securing a guilty verdict and holding Mr. Norris accountable for his actions.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
Norris’ next court appearance is scheduled for February 4, 2026, for post-trial motions and return of the Pre-sentencing Report. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2026. Norris faces a penalty of between eighteen to ninety years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
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