In a tragic culmination of events that began in August 2018, two Chicago brothers have been sentenced for the murder of their landlord, 76-year-old Vasudeva Kethireddy. Elijah Green, 31, received a 45-year prison sentence, while his brother, Tony Green, 28, was sentenced to 47 years. The sentencing, handed down on February 19, 2025, marks the end of a case that has profoundly impacted the local community.
The Disappearance of Vasudeva Kethireddy
On August 4, 2018, Kethireddy, a respected landlord and engineer, was reported missing. He was last seen visiting a bank, with plans to address a maintenance issue reported by his tenants, the Green brothers, in their West Englewood apartment. Unbeknownst to him, this call for assistance was a ruse designed to lure him into a deadly trap.
A Calculated and Heinous Crime
Prosecutors revealed that the brothers, facing financial difficulties and owing rent, devised a plan to rob Kethireddy. They contacted him, falsely claiming a leak in their apartment that required immediate attention. Upon his arrival, Elijah Green attacked Kethireddy, placing him in a chokehold and strangling him to death. The brothers then stole $1,600 in cash and several credit cards from their victim.
In a chilling detail, evidence presented during the trial showed that searches were conducted on Tony Green’s cellphone for phrases such as “how long does it take for a body to decompose in sewer water.” This premeditated research underscored the calculated nature of their actions.
Discovery and Arrest
After the murder, the Greens transported Kethireddy’s body in his own vehicle, leaving it inside the car for a day before disposing of it in a sewer near their residence. His body remained undiscovered for nearly two months until it was found in late September 2018, across the street from the brothers’ apartment. The proximity of the disposal site to their home, along with eyewitness accounts and digital evidence, led to their arrest in October 2018.
Community Impact and Sentencing
The murder of Kethireddy sent shockwaves through the community. Having emigrated from India over four decades ago, he was known not only as a skilled engineer but also as a compassionate landlord who often rented properties to individuals facing legal and financial hardships. His commitment to providing affordable housing in underserved neighborhoods made his loss deeply felt among residents.
During the sentencing, the court considered the premeditated nature of the crime, the brothers’ attempts to conceal their actions, and the profound impact on Kethireddy’s family and the community. The lengthy prison terms reflect the severity of their actions and serve as a deterrent against such heinous crimes.
Accessing Court Records
For those seeking more detailed information on the case proceedings, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County provides online access to case information. This resource offers summaries of court documents and events, though it is not considered the official record. The official court records are maintained in hard copy and can be accessed through the courthouse or other designated repositories.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Elijah and Tony Green brings a measure of closure to a case that has haunted the Chicago community. It serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of financial desperation and the lengths to which individuals may go, leading to irreversible actions that devastate families and communities alike.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
