Introduction to the Case
CHICAGO – A South Shore man was found guilty Friday evening on four counts of first-degree murder in connection with a February 2020 robbery and double homicide in Chinatown.
Charges and Convictions
He was found guilty of the following charges:
- Murder with intent to kill or injure
- Murder with strong probability of death or great bodily harm
- Murder with intent to kill or injure
- Murder with strong probability of death or great bodily harm
The Backstory
The backstory:
Alvin Thomas, of South Shore, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the early morning shooting that occurred Feb. 9, 2020, in the 2000 block of South Wells Street, according to a previous FOX 32 report.
The shooting killed Huayi Bian, 36, and Weizhong Xiong, 38. Authorities said the victims were standing in the parking lot of an apartment complex with a 44-year-old woman around 2:13 a.m. when Thomas approached and tried to rob them.
Police said the woman complied, but Bian and Xiong resisted. Thomas then shot both men in the head. They were pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman was not injured.
Thomas was arrested within minutes of the shooting. At the time, he was on probation for a 2018 robbery charge in Chicago. He had been released on home electronic monitoring after posting a $5,000 bond and pleading guilty in July 2019.
While on bond, Thomas was also charged with manufacture and delivery of cannabis in February 2019, but that case was dismissed the following month, according to county records.
What’s Next
What’s next:
Thomas’s mandatory sentence is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
He will return to court on Dec. 18 for post-trial motions.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by a previous FOX 32 report and from a Cook County court.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict brings closure to the families of the victims, Huayi Bian and Weizhong Xiong, who lost their lives in the senseless act of violence. The case highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensuring justice is served. As Alvin Thomas faces life in prison without parole, the community can begin to heal and move forward.
FAQs
Q: Who was found guilty in the 2020 Chinatown double murder and robbery?
A: Alvin Thomas, a South Shore man, was found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder.
Q: What were the charges against Alvin Thomas?
A: Thomas was charged with murder with intent to kill or injure, and murder with strong probability of death or great bodily harm, among other charges.
Q: What is the sentence for Alvin Thomas?
A: Thomas’s mandatory sentence is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: Thomas will return to court on Dec. 18 for post-trial motions.
