Crime
Man Fatally Shot Outside Glenwood Bar Following Confrontation
Glenwood, IL – A 31-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday morning following a confrontation outside a bar in south suburban Glenwood, according to police.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill, located in the 18000 block of South Halsted Street.
Glenwood police responded to reports of shots fired and discovered the victim, later identified as James Honey Jr., also known as “Liddle Balling,” suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately attempted to render aid, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and his companions were attempting to leave the bar when they became involved in a confrontation with another group outside.
The dispute escalated, leading to the fatal shooting.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, and authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend those involved.
The Glenwood Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force are leading the ongoing investigation.
Glenwood Mayor Ron Gardiner addressed the incident on Sunday, calling the shooting “unacceptable” and emphasizing the need for greater efforts to prevent gun violence in the community.
“This tragedy is unacceptable and has no place in our community or any other. One person’s senseless decision has left the victim’s family and friends devastated, and we are keeping them in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mayor Gardiner also stated that he has spoken with the owners of Chug-A-Lug and confirmed that the incident occurred outside the establishment and was not a reflection of the environment inside.
He noted that the business is committed to enhancing security measures to ensure patron safety.
Additionally, Gardiner, who serves as president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, announced plans to organize a summit on gun violence aimed at fostering collaboration among local leaders to prevent similar tragedies.
“It is my hope that those involved in this incident will come forward and accept responsibility for their actions, and that those with any information will contact the Glenwood Police Department,” he added.
The Chug-A-Lug Pub & Grill released an official statement acknowledging the broader concerns about violence in the Southland region while emphasizing that the incident took place outside in the parking lot as patrons were leaving.
“We acknowledge the unfortunate reality that violence is an issue affecting parts of the Southland region. While this incident occurred in our parking lot and was not a reflection of the atmosphere inside Chug-A-Lug, we understand the broader context.”
The business stated that it has security personnel and strategic closing procedures in place to ensure customer safety and emphasized that this was the first incident of this nature at their establishment.
“We understand that this incident has caused concern within our community, and we want to reassure everyone that we are taking all necessary steps to further enhance our security measures. Beyond our immediate security, Chug-A-Lug is committed to remaining a part of the conversation and contributing to efforts aimed at addressing and helping to stop violence in our community. We are a family-friendly establishment, and the safety of our guests and the well-being of our community remains our utmost priority.”
At this time, police have not determined what initially sparked the confrontation leading to the fatal shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Glenwood Police Department as the investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
FSU Shooting Suspect Phoenix Ikner Previously Known as Christian Gunnar Eriksen Before 2020 Name Change
Newly surfaced court records provide insight into the early life of Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old accused in the mass shooting at Florida State University.
Ikner, who was formerly known as Christian Gunnar Eriksen, legally changed his name in 2020, according to law enforcement sources.
For clarity, he will be referred to as Phoenix Ikner throughout this report.
Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil had previously identified Ikner as the son of longtime sheriff’s deputy Jessica Ikner.
However, court documents clarify that Jessica Ikner is his stepmother. His biological mother is identified as Anne-Mari Eriksen.
Records describe a complex and often volatile family situation.
In 2015, Anne-Mari Eriksen was arrested and charged with kidnapping after violating a custody agreement and taking then-10-year-old Ikner to Norway without his father’s consent.
According to an arrest affidavit, Eriksen had told Ikner’s father that she was taking the child to South Florida, but instead fled the country.
The affidavit highlights that Ikner, who at the time had developmental delays and special needs, required consistent medical care, including medication for a growth hormone disorder and ADHD.
His father told authorities he feared those needs were not being met during Ikner’s time abroad.
The documents state that Eriksen failed to keep Ikner in school for scheduled evaluations, missed medical appointments, and neglected to administer prescribed medications while in Norway.
Eriksen was arrested upon her return to the United States on July 27, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
She was booked into the Leon County Jail and later entered a no contest plea. On July 14, 2016, she was sentenced to 200 days in jail (with credit for 170 days served), followed by two years of community control and two additional years of probation.
Additional court records reveal that Eriksen later filed an unsuccessful civil lawsuit against Ikner’s father, stepmother Jessica Ikner, and two other relatives.
Ikner himself—then still legally named Christian Gunnar Eriksen—was also listed as a defendant at the age of 11.
In the lawsuit, Eriksen alleged that her son had suffered psychological and emotional abuse amid contentious family court proceedings.
She accused Jessica Ikner of writing “unwanted” letters and placing them in her son’s backpack, and also claimed she had struck the child.
Eriksen sought $80,000 in damages, stating that the amount would be deposited into her son’s college fund.
The case was dismissed seven months later by the judge, who issued the dismissal sua sponte, meaning on the court’s own accord and not at the request of either party.
This information comes in the aftermath of the deadly shooting on FSU’s campus.
Two men, both unaffiliated with the university, were killed and five others injured during the incident.
Ikner was identified as the shooter and was taken into custody after being shot by responding officers.
He remains hospitalized. Authorities have confirmed that the campus is now secure, though the crime scene remains active.
Florida State University has canceled all classes and events through Friday as the investigation continues.