Suspect ‘Ambushed Teenagers’ in 2024 Shooting Outside Innovations High School, Judge Says
Charges and Evidence
Tommie Coleman, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon. The charges stem from the fatal shooting of two Loop high school students, Robert Boston, 16, and Monterio Williams, 17, on January 26, 2024, outside Innovations High School.
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors claim that Coleman and two others, including a man who died in June 2024 and an Innovations High School student who has yet to be charged, got out of a stolen SUV and ambushed the teens, firing their guns for 15 seconds. Boston was shot six times, and Williams was shot three times. Twenty-two shell casings fired from three different weapons were recovered at the scene.
Surveillance Video and Phone Records
Surveillance video and license plate readers captured the Innovations student who hasn’t been charged leaving school early and entering the SUV in a parking lot, before it circled the school’s doors twice and eventually parked nearby and waited for several minutes. The trio’s phone records also tied them to the movement of the vehicle and scene of the shooting.
Instagram Videos
The night of the shooting, Chicago police received a tip from one of the victims’ mothers that a student at the school had sent her videos Coleman and others had posted on Instagram of them wearing masks and riding in the SUV before and after the shooting, at one point singing about wearing masks and shooting someone. The videos were obtained through search warrants, and a witness of the shooting identified the student who was in the SUV.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge William Fahy ordered Coleman detained, calling the offense “horrific.” “The defendant and his cohorts ambushed teenagers,” Fahy said. “It doesn’t get much more violent than that.”
Defense Arguments
Coleman’s attorney, Erica Green, argued that the videos hadn’t been offered up to the defense and that the witnesses had known and identified the uncharged student, not Coleman. She pointed out witnesses ran for cover during the “chaotic incident,” and no one had identified Coleman in the car. “We haven’t seen any of these videos that connect my client,” Green said. “There is very little physical evidence.”
Background and Previous Convictions
Coleman was previously convicted of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in DuPage County, for which he was sentenced to two years. He also has pending warrants on an auto theft and possession of a machine gun out of Lake County, Indiana, and a trespass to vehicle in Chicago.
Next Court Date
Coleman is due back in court on Wednesday.
Conclusion
The case against Tommie Coleman is a disturbing example of senseless violence and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. As the investigation continues, it is essential to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Tommie Coleman?
A: Coleman is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Q: What is the alleged motive behind the shooting?
A: The motive behind the shooting is unclear, as prosecutors have not released any information about why the teens were targeted.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more evidence and build a stronger case against Coleman and any other individuals involved in the shooting.
Q: What is the next court date for Tommie Coleman?
A: Coleman is due back in court on Wednesday.