Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Crime News Update

             Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Say man tried to kill three

A 21-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with three counts of attempted murder after he was arrested by members of the
Purnell

Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force at his home in the 3700 block of West 57th Place at 1:24 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6. 

Jamil A. Purnell allegedly fired shots into a vehicle with three occupants near 93rd and Paxton, back on May 27.

According to public records, Purnell was arrested by CPD in October 2022 near 125th and Perry and charged with domestic battery, assault and resisting arrest.

Say man violated court order

A 42-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with violating an order of protection after he was arrested near his home in the 5200 block of South Kolin at 8:06 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.
Billegas


Damien J. Billegas allegedly violated a court order by ringing the doorbell of a 48-year-old woman, a CPD spokesman said. 

According to public records, Billegas has been arrested 12 times by CPD since 2016 on such charges as drinking on the public way, criminal trespass to property, theft, criminal trespass to a vehicle, assault and domestic battery.

Claim man drove drunk, fought with police

A 28-year-old Joliet man was charged with driving an uninsured vehicle, DUI and transporting open alcohol in a vehicle after he was arrested at the northwest corner of 48th and Lawndale at 8:56 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.
Noriega


Cesar J. Noriega was initially stopped because officers saw him throw an empty beer can out his window, a CPD spokesman said. Three counts of resisting arrest were added after Noriega allegedly struggled with officers at the scene.

According to public information, Noriega has been arrested three times by CPD since 2016 on charges that included theft and domestic battery.



Allegedly broke in, broke belongings

A 20-year-old woman from suburban Oak Park was charged with burglary, criminal damage to property and violating an order of protection after she was arrested at a home in the 5700 block of South Nagle at 12:54 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6.
McLaurin-Young


Isys S. McLaurin-Young of the 600 block of Highland Avenue, allegedly broke into a home and damaged a number of items, violating a court order to stay away from a 29-year-old man, a CPD spokesman said.

Two counts of aggravated battery were added after McLaurin-Young allegedly struggled with officers arresting her.


Traffic stop leads to gun charge
Griffin

A 20-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 5301 S. Harlem at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Courtney Aukeith Griffin, of the 4200 block of South Albany, was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun, a CPD spokesman said.


Sleeping man charged with violating order of protection

A 44-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with violating an order of protection after he was arrested at his home in the 3800 block of West 55th Street at 12:26 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Munoz

 
Juan Pablo Munoz was allegedly found sleeping in a vehicle parked in a garage behind the home, in apparent violation of a no-contact order from a judge.

According to public records, Munoz has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014—three times charged with domestic battery.




Claim man fought with police

A 29-year-old Pilsen man was charged with two counts of resisting arrest after he was apprehended outside 5607 S. Natchez at 6:48 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.
Solano


Eliseo Solano Jr., of the 1900 block of South Racine, was reportedly encountered by officers conducting a well-being check, a CPD spokesman said. He was in a parked vehicle and allegedly struggled with officers who ordered him out.

According to public records, Solano has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as domestic battery and criminal trespass to a vehicle.

Say man drove drunk, crashed
Treja

A 33-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with DUI after he was arrested near the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at 7:47 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.

Kamil J. Treja, of the 5300 block of South Melvina, reportedly crashed his vehicle into another near where he was arrested. He also was cited for running a stop sign and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.


Bust woman on solicitation rap

A 33-year-old Hearst area woman was charged with soliciting a ride on a roadway after she was arrested in front of 4801 S. La Crosse at 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Williams


Jessica L. Williams (aka Taylor Williams), of the 4500 block of South Laporte, was apprehended by officers paying special attention to the eastern edge of the Vittum Park neighborhood, partly in response to prostitution-related concerns voiced by the Vittum Park Civic League.

According to public records, Williams has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2015 on charges that included assault, theft, criminal trespass to a residence, criminal trespass to a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.

Charge suburban man with DUI, CCL violation
Alasmer

A 37-year-old man from suburban Palos Hills was charged with DUI and violating the terms of his Concealed Carry license after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 5408 S. Archer at 3:22 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3.

Ahmad S. Alasmer, of the 10100 block of South 80th Court, was found to be in possession of a loaded pistol, a CPD spokesman said, adding that he was cited for failure to carry a driver’s license.



Say man was driving recklessly

A 22-year-old man from suburban Bridgeview was charged with reckless driving after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 5428 S. Archer at 3:12 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.
Castiglione


James Williams Castiglione Jr., of the 7000 block of West Dover, was spotted near Archer and Cicero, driving at a high rate of speed, a CPD spokesman said. Castiglione also was cited for running two stop signs.

According to public records, he has been arrested three times by CPD since 2022 on charges that included criminal trespass to land, failure to carry a driver’s license, transporting open alcohol in a vehicle, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of ammunition without a valid FOID card and possession of a laser gunsight.


Traffic stop leads to gun, ammo charges
Gomez

An 18-year-old man from suburban Burbank was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon after police curbed his vehicle in front of 5710 S. Pulaski at 9:34 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

Damian Gomez, of the 6100 block of West 79th Street, was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun, a CPD spokesman said. He also was charged with possession of a high-capacity magazine and armor-piercing bullets.


Claim woman violated court order

A 55-year-old woman from suburban Oak Lawn was charged with violating an order of protection after she was arrested near 44th and Komensky at 10:42 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2.
Stechly


Kimberly Marie Stechly, of the 9000 block of South Central, allegedly violated a judge’s order that she stay away from an 87-year-old woman living nearby.

According to public records, Stechly has been arrested four times this year by CPD on such charges as domestic battery and theft.

Say woman was flagging down cars

Smith
A 22-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was charged with soliciting a ride on a roadway after she was arrested on the northeast corner of 48th and Cicero at 2:29 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3.

Mary Jo D. Smith, of the 7000 block of West Archer, was spotted waving down passing cars and wearing “minimal, revealing clothing,” a CPD spokesman said.



Bust suburban man on gun charge
Cochran

A 21-year-old man from suburban South Holland was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a stolen firearm after he was arrested outside, at 8189 S. Knox at 4:06 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.

Avery C. Cochran was apprehended by police responding to a “suspicious auto” call. A CPD spokesman said Cochran fled from police on foot and was found hiding behind the address of arrest.

Charged with retail theft at Ford City
Pittman

A 49-year-old Calumet Heights person was charged with retail theft after being arrested at Ford City at 4:20 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20.

A. Deonte Pittman (aka Andre/Andrea/Andrew) allegedly stole merchandise from a store in the mall. A CPD spokesman declined to name the store, but a source in the neighborhood said it was JC Penney.

According to public records, Pittman has been arrested 17 times by CPD since 2017 on such charges as prostitution, battery and obstructing identification.



Bust convicted felon on theft rap

A 58-year-old West Pullman man was charged with retail theft after he was arrested at Ford City at 7:42 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.
Shelton


Willie E. Shelton, of the 11800 block of South Normal, was apprehended without incident.

According to public records, Shelton has been arrested six times by CPD since 2018 on such charges as driving on a revoked license, failure to register with authorities as a convicted gun offender and acting as an armed habitual criminal.

Say man tried to board flight with weapon
Fleishman

A 62-year-old man from Highland, Ind. was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Mark Allen Fleishman was apprehended after a TSA agent spotted a handgun in his book bag as he attempted to board a flight, a CPD spokesman said.

Say driver crashed, left scene
Trujillo

A 34-year-old West Lawn man was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, driving without insurance and driving on a revoked license after he was arrested in front of 3854 W. 61st Place at 11:29 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Jorge Trujillo, of the 3700 block of West 61st Place, allegedly was the driver of a vehicle that struck a parked vehicle in the 3700 block of West 62nd Place minutes before his arrest, a CPD spokesman said.




Claim man threatened disabled elderly woman
Diaz

A 52-year-old West Lawn man was charged with aggravated assault after he was arrested at a residence in the 4700 block of West 63rd Street at 9:44 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17.

Sesar Raul Diaz, of the 6200 block of South Knox, allegedly made a verbal threat against a 68-year-old woman and threw her wheelchair around an apartment, a CPD spokesman said.


He threw a cup at me, CTA bus driver says
Patton

An 18-year-old Washington Heights man was charged with battery after he was arrested in front of 4705 W. 79th St. at 3:33 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

Jayquan C. Patton, of the 9000 block of South Morgan, allegedly threw a soda cup at a CTA bus driver, a CPD spokesman said.

Bust man after ‘suspicious vehicle’ call

A 27-year-old man from suburban Calumet City was charged with criminal damage to property after he was arrested near 82nd and Scottsdale at 3:58 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16.
Lee


Terry L. Lee was apprehended by officers responding to a “suspicious vehicle” call. He allegedly broke the rear window of a parked vehicle before he was arrested.

According to public records, Lee was arrested by CPD near 138th and Cottage Grove in October 2019 and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, as well as aggravated fleeing.

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Sunday, November 2, 2025

A Happy Ending for a Gentle Soul

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post


Months after I first brought this to light via the Southwest Chicago Post, I'm pleased to report there is a happy ending to the matter regarding the grave of Annie Derdak.

And I thank Don Krukowski, who helped care for Annie in her twilight years, for initially bringing this matter to my attention and for so faithfully and diligently pressing officials at Catholic Cemeteries, as well as others. None of this would have occurred without him.

Don's most recent visit to Resurrection Cemetery to tend to the graves of Annie and her beloved husband, Peter, came with a pleasant surprise: Annie's grave, at long last, is no longer unmarked.

Two years later, Annie Derdak's grave is finally marked.

I wondered how it came about, so I reached out to the executive director of Catholic Cemeteries. He failed to respond, so it remains a mystery to me whether Annie's next of kin finally signed the simple paperwork or whether Catholic Cemeteries did what I urged them to do: exercise their authority and simply mark the grave themselves.

Anyway, all's well that ends well. It's always a good day to report good news.

Background on this situation: Below is the original piece I wrote back in July.

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• "She was such a nice lady."
Annie Derdak

• "Annie was the sweetest woman. She was a neighbor for many years and always had a kind word for everyone."

• "I did not know her well, but whenever I would be out walking with my daughters she would always stop and chat with us, and tell us stories. She was a truly delightful woman."

• "She was my neighbor for 15 years! My parents and I talked to her all the time when we lived one house down from her. She was an amazing woman with a gentle soul."

That makes this situation that much more sad.

Annie and her husband, Peter, lived in their home near 57th and Newcastle for many years.

They lived, they loved, they laughed. They grew old together.

Peter died in 2016 at age 89. Annie died in 2023 at age 91.

After Peter died, Annie made sure his grave at Resurrection Cemetery was marked and cared for.

But 18 months after Annie's passing, her grave--right next to Peter's, of course--remains unmarked.
The graves of Annie and Peter Derdak.

This has caused a great deal of frustration and even grief for those who loved her and remember her fondly--perhaps most notably, Don Krukowski, who since 2014 helped care for Annie and Peter in their twilight years.

"I made a promise to Annie that I'd make sure her grave was cared for the way it ought to be," Don told me. "To not be able to do that is so frustrating, I lose sleep over it. It's not right."

So Don did a considerable amount of digging for answers. What he learned is that Annie's grave (purchased years ago) includes a marker--so money is not the issue. Everything has been paid for.

In a case like this, it's up to next of kin to fill out some very simple paperwork to have the grave marker made and installed. When there is no next of kin (as is the case here), the task falls to whoever Annie designated as Power of Attorney.

Resurrection Cemetery officials would not tell Don who Annie had designated as Power of Attorney over her affairs. But he found out from another source that it's a couple living in the southwest suburbs--a couple who had befriended Annie.

Don repeatedly tried contacting them--going so far as to pay a visit to their home. But he says he ran into what sounds like a bunch of baloney--everything from "I don't know" to "I don't speak English" and so forth.

The couple also did not respond to several attempts I made to contact them.

So I put the question to Archdiocesan officials.

I received a brief response via email from Catholic Cemeteries Executive Director Ted Ratajczyk: "In this particular case, we are waiting for the next of kin to authorize the inscription information. We have sent repeated requests to the next of kin."

Ratajczyk added, "For the cemeteries as a whole, we are not having any systemic delays for memorialization."

I asked a reasonable follow-up question:

"I'm sure such cases are uncommon but not unheard of. Does Catholic Cemeteries have a policy or protocol in place when next of kin dies or moves away and can't be found--or next of kin is estranged--(and yet the grave remains unmarked)?"

No response.

And so, Annie Derdak, a sweet woman with a gentle soul, is forced to endure--in death--the insult of an unmarked grave.

I think Catholic Cemeteries can do better.



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