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15-Year-Old Boy Charged with Murder After Stunning Attack on Retired Firefighter Is Caught on Camera

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Authorities have charged a 15-year-old boy with murder in connection with the fatal shooting earlier this month of Dwain Williams, a retired Chicago fire lieutenant.

The teen — whose name is not being released because he was charged as a juvenile, according to the Chicago Sun-Times — was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Chicago Heights and was due in court on Thursday morning.

The teenager faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery, WLS-TV reported, citing the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and Chicago police.

Police said Williams was leaving a gourmet popcorn shop, “Let’s Get Poppin,” in Morgan Park on Dec. 3 when a car pulled up and three suspects jumped out to try to take his vehicle, according to WMAQ-TV.

One of the suspects showed a handgun before opening fire on Williams, shooting him in the abdomen, according to authorities.

The retired lieutenant pulled out his own gun and returned fire, according to the police. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center and pronounced dead at the hospital.

The attack was caught on a nearby security camera, and the reward for more information leading to an arrest in this case currently exceeds $30,000.



Williams spent 28 years with the Chicago Fire Department and his last assignment was with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications for the City of Chicago.

Do you think the men responsible for Williams' murder should face the death penalty?

“Everyone at OEMC is deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Dwain Williams and we send our sincere condolences to his family and the Chicago Fire Department. He was a fixture at the OEMC in the Operations Center and was a considered dear friend by many of us. Those who knew him thought the world of him,” Chicago’s OEMC said in a statement.

“His contributions to the OEMC, the Fire Department and the City of Chicago will not be forgotten.”

Williams’ family, friends and local community said their final goodbye to him at a funeral in the parking lot of the Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church last weekend.

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“Dwain was snatched from us by a world in which we live that has allowed evil and violence to raise its ugly head,” Father Michael Pfleger said in the eulogy.

The retired firefighter’s brother added that Williams embodied the lesson to work hard for what you desire.

“We were taught all of our lives: Fight for what you desire. Work hard for it,” Rev. Keith Williams said. “And that’s exactly what he did.”

Williams’ widow, Karen, said, “I was married to an angel … an angel that took on human form.”

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Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




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