Haine announces guilty verdict for aggravated battery in 2024 Fourth of July machete attack

By Tribune Staff • Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced June 23 that a Collinsville man has been found guilty of aggravated battery in connection with a machete attack during a Fourth of July gathering.

Following a bench trial, Jorge L. Barrera, 29, was found guilty of using a deadly weapon, a machete, to strike the leg of the victim on July 4, 2024. The attack happened outside an apartment complex in Collinsville.

According to evidence and testimony presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Reames and Assistant State’s Attorney Gina McNabnay, the attack stemmed from a disagreement over a parking spot at the apartment complex.

Reames, in his closing argument, said the victim started to walk away after an initial confrontation but Barrera went to his vehicle for a weapon.

“The defendant then re-engaged, swinging a machete,” Reames argued. The victim avoided serious injuries.
Haine commended Collinsville Police, which conducted the investigation, as well as the prosecution team.

“Acts of violence involving dangerous weapons place lives at risk and have no place in our community,” Haine said. “When individuals choose to assault others with dangerous weapons, we are prepared to take such cases to trial and will seek accountability.”

Barrera will be sentenced later. Aggravated battery (class 3 felony) is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Circuit Judge Amy Maher presided at the trial and issued the verdict.