Crime
23-year-old Darion McMillian charged for the murder of Chicago Police officer Enrique Martinez
On Wednesday afternoon, the Chicago Police Department formally charged 23-year-old Darion C. McMillian in connection with the tragic shooting of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez on the city’s South Side earlier this week.
McMillian faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer, first-degree murder, attempted murder of a police officer, residential burglary, unlawful use of a weapon (machine gun), and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
The incident occurred on Monday evening around 8 p.m. in the East Chatham neighborhood, near the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue.
Officer Martinez, 26, and his partner had approached a vehicle blocking traffic, occupied by three individuals, including McMillian.
As backup arrived, Officer Martinez and his partner observed McMillian reaching toward a bag on the vehicle floor. Despite commands to stop, McMillian allegedly retrieved a fully automatic firearm and opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Martinez.
The gunfire also struck the driver of the vehicle, who was killed at the scene; his identity has not yet been released. McMillian then reportedly pushed the driver’s body out of the car, moved to the driver’s seat, and attempted to flee.
During the escape attempt, he allegedly reversed the car, dragging one of the officers, who fired a shot into the ground as McMillian evaded capture. The dragged officer was later reported in fair condition.
While authorities initially detained a second individual from the vehicle, that person was released without charges.
McMillian’s criminal history includes multiple prior offenses. In January 2023, he was indicted by a Will County grand jury on charges of unlawful cannabis possession and intent to distribute.
More recently, in October, he faced charges in Will County for allegedly tampering with a drug screening test and was placed on electronic monitoring.
Reflecting on the incident, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling remarked, “We have to do everything that we can to keep violent offenders off the street, especially those who are repeating these acts. If we don’t do that, then we’re failing our citizens, our children, and their futures.”
McMillian’s attempt to escape led to further chaos. After colliding with a parked vehicle, he reportedly abandoned the car, fled on foot, and forced entry into a nearby apartment where a woman was present.
Once inside, McMillian allegedly acquired a knife, cut off his electronic monitoring device, and concealed himself within the residence. The woman in the apartment was not harmed. Police later apprehended McMillian in the 8000 block of South Maryland.
This investigation remains active as the Chicago Police Department works to ensure justice for Officer Martinez, his family, and the community.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.