Crime
Navy Pier shooting suspect in custody
Levy Restaurants, an official food and beverage partner of Navy Pier, later confirmed that both victims were their employees.
UPDATE: A tragic shooting incident occurred at Navy Pier in Chicago on November 5th, 2024, resulting in the deaths of two employees, Peter Jennings and Lamont Johnson.
The alleged perpetrator, 37-year-old Raylon East, a former employee of Levy Restaurants, was arrested in connection with the double homicide.
According to surveillance footage, East entered the Navy Pier facility wearing a disguise and proceeded to the loading dock area, where he fatally shot his former colleagues. He then fled the scene, discarding evidence along the way.
A 9mm handgun, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from the Chicago River near the scene of the crime.
East was apprehended by police and is facing serious charges, including murder. If convicted, he could potentially face a life sentence.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A person of interest is now in custody following a fatal shooting at Chicago’s Navy Pier earlier this week, as confirmed by the Chicago Police Department.
On Thursday, authorities released images of a man wanted for allegedly killing two former colleagues at Navy Pier on Tuesday.
The shooting occurred around 1:17 p.m. on Tuesday, when an ex-employee of a subcontractor reportedly gained access to Navy Pier’s premises via a loading dock near the Sable Hotel and opened fire on his former coworkers.
A community alert issued by CPD described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Immediately following the incident, first responders were deployed to Navy Pier, and officials ordered a shelter-in-place as the pier went on lockdown for several hours.
Levy Restaurants, an official food and beverage partner of Navy Pier, later confirmed that both victims were their employees.
In a statement, the company referred to the deceased as “family members,” adding, “We’re absolutely devastated. Our hearts break for their families and loved ones, whose lives are forever changed.”
On Thursday evening, Navy Pier also released a statement expressing relief over the person of interest’s apprehension.
“Navy Pier expresses immense gratitude to the Chicago Police Department for their swift and coordinated efforts following this tragic incident. We are relieved that the suspect has been taken into police custody and extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Lamont Johnson and Peter Jennings, who were treasured members of the Navy Pier community.”
Authorities have classified the shooting as an isolated incident. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Area Three detectives at (312) 744-8261. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to CPDTIP.com using reference #JH496538.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.