On Monday, Chicago police charged 33 year-old Koman Willis with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. Willis is allegedly responsible for the March shooting of a father and daughter, in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago.
Six-month old, Jonylah Watkins was in her father’s arms when someone approached the family’s minivan and open fire, killing her and injuring her father. Jonylah sustained shots to the thigh, shoulder, lung, liver and bowels. Jonathan Watkins suffered several critical injuries.
Police officials reported that Willis turned himself in on Saturday and was charged on Monday. According to police Willis is a documented gang member who has been arrested 38 times for shooting.
Police officials also reported that the original confrontation was over a stolen video game system and during the shooting Willis was aiming for Jonathan Watkins.
During a press conference, Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy said that the burglary has too many variables and therefore Mr. Watkins would not be charged. He also attributes Willis turning himself in to pressure put on by Chicago police. McCarthy said, “There came a point where we believed that we could take him into custody rather than just interview him, and we went out looking for him.”
This development has put an end to early speculation that the shooting was gang related. According to officials Willis and Jonathan Watkins gang ties had very little to do with the shooting.
If found guilty of first-degree murder, Willis could face life in prison.