Man Charged in Lincoln Park Killing Had Concerning Writings in Home, Prosecutors Say

Prosecutors Cite Collection of Weapons, Tactical Gear, and Writings as Cause for Concern

A Marine veteran with a license to carry a concealed weapon says he was defending himself when he fatally shot a man who accosted him last week in Lincoln Park. But Cook County prosecutors, who have charged 35-year-old John Conway with murder in the Nov. 27 shooting, called him a danger to the community and argued that he should be held in custody pending trial during his initial court appearance on Friday.

Concerning Items Seized from Conway’s Apartment

Prosecutors said the man who was shot, 34-year-old Alexander Nesteruk, was standing unarmed and with his hands at his sides when Conway opened fire. They also cited a collection of weapons, tactical gear, and writings allegedly seized from Conway’s apartment after the shooting as cause for concern.

Weapons and Tactical Gear

Among the items recovered were several handguns, a “sniper rifle,” ballistic armor, and a “cellphone jammer,” prosecutors said.

Writings and Plans

Authorities also allegedly found notebooks that contained “derogatory” writings and a “multi-paged plan to harm an unrelated individual at a specific event with notes detailing escape routes.”

Prosecutors’ Concerns

Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara called those items — and the calm manner in which Conway shot Nesteruk and walked away from the scene — a “flashing warning symbol” that he would pose a danger if released.

Defense Attorney’s Response

Conway’s defense attorney countered that his client’s military training gave him the ability to stay calm in stressful situations and said that the guns seized from Conway’s apartment were for recreational shooting.

Judge Orders Conway Held in Custody

Judge Caroline Glennon-Goodman said she agreed with prosecutors and ordered Conway held in custody, but narrowly focused her ruling on allegations that Conway did not contact authorities after the shooting.

Shooting Details

Nesteruk was seen in the area earlier in the day “behaving erratically,” including shouting and kicking at cars, and was eventually approached by police who “removed him from the area,” prosecutors said, but he later returned. Surveillance cameras were recording shortly before 4 p.m. on the day of the shooting as Conway was approached by Nesteruk while walking in the 2400 block of North Clark Street, prosecutors said.

Conway’s Actions

Nesteruk did an “air kick” without making contact at Conway and both men stood facing each other, prosecutors said. The two were about a sidewalk square apart when Conway allegedly reached into his pocket and pulled out a revolver, stepped forward, and fired a single shot. The bullet passed through Nesteruk and the window of a nearby business where it was later found, prosecutors said.

Conway’s Response

Conway watched briefly before “calmly turning” and walking away, prosecutors said. Conway made no attempt to reach out to police, including when officers drove by him as they responded to the shooting, prosecutors said. Then, he allegedly went to a gym where he is a member.

Conclusion

The case against John Conway is ongoing, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 26. The family of Alexander Nesteruk has demanded justice and is grieving the loss of their loved one.

FAQs

Q: What was the motive behind the shooting?
A: The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, but prosecutors say that Conway claimed he was defending himself.

Q: What was found in Conway’s apartment?
A: Prosecutors say that a collection of weapons, tactical gear, and writings were found in Conway’s apartment, including several handguns, a “sniper rifle,” ballistic armor, and a “cellphone jammer.”

Q: What was the nature of the writings found in Conway’s apartment?
A: Prosecutors say that the writings found in Conway’s apartment were “derogatory” and included a “multi-paged plan to harm an unrelated individual at a specific event with notes detailing escape routes.”

Q: What is Conway’s background?
A: Conway is a Marine veteran with a license to carry a concealed weapon. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps and had served overseas, including in a rescue mission for a downed pilot.