FOX LAKE, Ill. (FOX 56) — Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of an elderly couple who had won $130,000 at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, on February 10, 2024.
Marcel L. Britton, 27, of Chicago, was charged with armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated robbery, and robbery of a victim over 60. According to Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Theis, Britton and a second male suspect targeted the couple after noticing them win an “extremely large amount” of money at the casino.
The elderly couple, approximately 70 years old, left the casino with $130,000 and headed home to Fox Lake. The suspects followed them to their residence, where they confronted the couple at gunpoint. The suspects grabbed a bag from the man’s hands and pushed him to the ground when he attempted to reclaim it. However, in a twist of fate, the victim had placed the cash in her walker before entering the house, and the suspects made off with the woman’s leftover steak and lobster instead of the $130,000.
The suspects fled the scene, and the victims, fearing the robbers would realize the mistake, ran to the lobby of their building for safety. A neighbor witnessed the incident and immediately came to their aid.
Surveillance footage revealed that Britton and his accomplice entered the casino using their government-issued IDs. The suspects arrived in a bronze Genesis SUV and were seen interacting with a short female accomplice who spoke to the elderly victims throughout the evening. The suspects were also seen pointing and smiling at the victims, with one rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
Following the robbery, the couple was escorted to their car by casino security. The suspects tracked the couple’s vehicle all the way to Fox Lake, using red light cameras and automated license plate reader cameras.
Judge Theodore Potkonjak of Lake County granted a petition filed by prosecutors to detain Britton without bail, ruling that he is “inherently dangerous.” The judge also commented on the crime, stating that the suspects preyed on two victims, one of whom uses a walker, yet the victims outsmarted them by hiding their winnings.
The two other suspects have been identified but remain at large. Britton’s attorneys, however, deny his involvement, stating he does not match the descriptions of the suspects and claiming that he has significant financial resources due to a recent legal settlement.
