Madison County State's Attorney Haine: Collinsville Man Guilty in Fourth of July Machete Attack

COLLINSVILLE/EDWARDSVILLE - A Collinsville man was found guilty Tuesday, June 23, 2026, of aggravated battery after prosecutors said he struck a victim in the leg with a machete during a Fourth of July gathering outside an apartment complex in Collinsville, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced.

Following a bench trial presided over by Circuit Judge Amy Maher, Jorge L. Barrera, 29, was convicted of using a deadly weapon in the July 4, 2024, attack, according to Haine’s office. Barrera will be sentenced later.

Prosecutors said the attack grew out of a disagreement over a parking spot at the apartment complex. Evidence and testimony presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Reames and Assistant State’s Attorney Gina McNabnay said the victim began to walk away after an initial confrontation.

“The defendant then re-engaged, swinging a machete,” Reames argued in his closing argument.

The victim avoided serious injuries.

Haine praised the Collinsville Police Department, which investigated the case, and 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.”

Aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, is punishable by up to five years in prison.

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