Two Men Sentenced in Fatal Highland Park Beating

Caban, 24, received an 18-year sentence, and Firestone, 22, was sentenced to 14 years. A Lake County jury convicted both men of second-degree murder in April. Each had faced a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Prosecutors said Ascaridis, 45, went to speak with the men about noise near the lakeshore at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve around the early hours of September 17, 2022. About four hours later, a passerby found him partially submerged in the water and called 911. Caban and Firestone also called for medical help, saying they had been in a confrontation with Ascaridis. Prosecutors said trial evidence showed the men left the scene after assaulting him instead of getting him help.

At sentencing, relatives described Ascaridis as a devoted family member and spoke about the loss his wife, children, mother and brother had suffered. Prosecutors also cited testimony that Caban raised his middle finger toward people in the courtroom after the verdict. They asked the judge to impose sentences at or near the 20-year maximum. The judge said the defendants seemed to regret what they had done but had not shown remorse.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Reinhart said the attack caused dozens of injuries and was unrelated to self-defense. The two defendants remain in custody at the Lake County jail while awaiting transfer to state prison.