It is not unusual for families to go together in the morning to a restaurant to have breakfast, especially on the weekend. For many, it is a stress-free time that allows the family to bond. Unfortunately for one family in Illinois, such a meal turned about to be their last as a complete family after the murder of the father. Another man from Illinois has since been charged with murder as a result.
The incident occurred during the Saturday morning breakfast rush of a restaurant. A 29-year-old man was having breakfast with his family when he was approached by a man who witnesses claim was also a patron of the restaurant. Reports indicate that they first man was shot several times at very close range. No one else was wounded in the incident.
A 31-year-old man was soon charged with the murder as a result of the shooting. It is unclear what led officers to him. At this time, police officers are unsure of a possible motive. A family member of the alleged gunman reports that he had been released from prison in December and had been working to get his life back in order.
Although the man was charged with murder, he is considered innocent until he is proven guilty. Illinois prosecutors will have to prove to a criminal court that the man is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The death of anyone is always a tragedy; however, the tragedy would only be compounded if an innocent man was punished for a murder he did not commit.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Man charged in shooting death at Joliet restaurant,” Aug. 4, 2013