COOK COUNTY, IL – A 41-year-old man has been charged with attempt murder and additional felonies following a Cook County Sheriff’s Police investigation into a shooting that occurred in Ford Heights last month, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
At approximately 8:53 p.m. on Jan. 12, Sheriff’s Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 1300 block of East Lincoln Highway. Upon arrival, officers found a 27-year-old female with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local area hospital for treatment for her injuries and was later discharged.
Upon further investigation, detectives learned that the offender, later identified as Abel Barnes of University Park, had a verbal altercation with the victim and had threatened to shoot her. Following the dispute, Barnes produced a handgun, shot the victim, and then fled the scene.
On Feb. 13, Barnes was taken into custody without incident. Later that day, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges of Attempt First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery/Discharge Firearm, and Aggravated Battery/Great Bodily Harm.
Barnes appeared for a court hearing today at the Markham Courthouse where he was ordered to be held in custody at the Cook County Jail until his next scheduled court date on March 5.
The public is reminded the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the government in a court of law.
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