Former Cook County Corrections Officer Sentenced to 60 Years for Niles Man's Murder

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A former Cook County correctional officer, Alan Kettina of Northbrook, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the 2023 murder of a 22-year-old Niles man, Mark Asber. The incident occurred near the Miraj nightclub in Niles, where Asber worked, and was captured on surveillance video.

Why it matters

This case highlights the issue of violence involving law enforcement personnel and raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and lack of accountability within the criminal justice system. It also underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime in suburban communities like Niles.

The details

According to court records, Kettina and Asber were smoking cigarettes in the parking lot of the Miraj nightclub before getting into Kettina's vehicle. Kettina then drove them to a nearby alley, where both men exited the car. As Asber walked away toward the nightclub, Kettina retrieved a handgun and shot him four times in the back. Niles police said the shooting was captured on surveillance video, and Kettina later admitted to investigators that he shot Asber while the victim's back was turned.

• The incident occurred in April 2023 near the Miraj nightclub in Niles.
• Kettina was convicted of the murder in October 2023.
• Kettina was sentenced to 60 years in prison last week.