Two men have been sentenced to prison for beating another man to death after he confronted them about creating noise on a beach in Chicago’s northern suburbs.
In April, a Lake County jury convicted Nicholas Caban, 24, and Jacob Firestone, 22, of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of 45-year-old Matthew Ascaridis.
According to authorities, on Sept. 17, 2022, Ascaridis, a businessman and parent who resided in Highland Park near the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, went outside to speak with neighbors who were being loud on the lakeshore around 1 a.m., and the situation evolved into a violent conflict.
Four hours later, a passerby saw Ascaridis’ body partially submerged in water and phoned 911.
Around the same time, Caban and Firestone contacted 911, alleging they required medical attention and that they had been in a fight with Ascaridis hours before.
Both men were sent to the hospital, and police got a search order for Caban’s house, where they discovered a gun with a defaced serial number.
Initially, Caban was arrested on felony firearms charges, while Firestone was arrested on obstruction.
In March 2023, both men were charged with Ascaridis’ murder.
After their conviction, a Lake County court sentenced Caban to 18 years and Firestone to 14 years in jail. Both guys risked up to 20 years in prison.
During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Lake County prosecutors pointed out that Caban raised his middle finger toward the audience in the courtroom after the conviction against him was revealed, alleging that the action demonstrated a lack of remorse.
Both guys are being held in Lake County Jail until they are moved to a state jail.
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