BRIDGEVIEW, ILLINOIS – A woman accused of orchestrating the murder of her boyfriend, Arturo Cantu Jr., was denied bond in a Cook County courtroom on Sunday. Prosecutors claim that text messages exchanged with another lover reveal the alleged plot behind Cantu’s death. Agnieszka Rydzewski, 33, is said to have encouraged her coworker, Anthony Calderon, 20, to carry out the shooting that took Cantu’s life as he left his Bridgeview residence.
Authorities allege that Rydzewski and Calderon communicated via text messages, with prosecutors citing one message from May 9 that read, “we will be together once all is clear.” The exchanges between the pair reportedly date back to at least April, according to officials. Calderon, who was charged with first-degree murder, was also denied bond during his court appearance on Saturday.
The victim’s mother, Diana Pacheco, expressed her devastation over the loss of her son, stating that Cantu’s death has left her shattered. She described her son as a loving and hardworking man who brought joy to those around him. Pacheco emphasized that Cantu and Rydzewski had been in a six-year relationship prior to the tragic incident.
Reflecting on the news of her son’s death, Pacheco urged individuals facing difficult situations to simply leave, underscoring the tragedy that unfolded in the aftermath of the alleged plot. The shocking nature of Cantu’s murder and the reported motive have left Pacheco and her family reeling, as they struggle to come to terms with the senseless loss.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further developments in the case as justice is sought for Arturo Cantu Jr. and those impacted by his untimely death. The allegations of a calculated murder scheme orchestrated by Rydzewski have sent shockwaves through Bridgeview and beyond, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the devastating consequences of betrayal and violence.