When a beloved member of the community is brutally murdered, people demand answers and justice. This places pressure on the local police department who want to quickly solve the case and bring peace of mind to residents. However, it is important to remember that the life of whoever is charged with murder is also in jeopardy, making it extremely important that the pressure does not cause the authorities to make hasty, unsupported accusations. A Chicago man is now fighting for a life outside of prison after police accused him of murdering a local, beloved business owner.
According to police reports, an armed man entered a local pizzeria through an opened back door after the business had closed for the day. The owner confronted the man at the counter of the restaurant where, giving his wife enough time to escape. Reports indicate that the man went to follow his wife out, but turned to confront the armed man again. At that time, he was shot in the chest.
The gunman then fled the restaurant. Based on eyewitness testimony, the police tracked down and arrested a 25-year-old man. Officers who interviewed the suspect claim that he made incriminating comments. However, those comments were not released, and it was unclear if he had an attorney present at the time. While reports indicate that police began processing the crime scene immediately, they have discussed any other incriminating evidence they have against the man other than the eyewitness testimony.
It is understandable that police would want to quickly find resolution of the man’s death. One can only hope they have adequate evidence to fully support the fact that this young man from Chicago has been charged with murder. There have been many circumstances when an eyewitness’s memory has proven inaccurate and faulty, leading to guilty verdicts that were later overturned.
Source: mysuburbanlife.com, “Chicago man charged with murder of Albano’s Restaurant owner in Cicero,” Joe SinopoliI, June 21, 2013