Second Accused Shooter Seeks Pre-Trial Release In Golden Shooting

CHICAGO — One of three men charged in the shooting of Chicago Police Officer Danny Golden will be seeking a bond review Monday. Justen Krismantis, 23, is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

On July 9, Krismantis is alleged to have run to his Jeep to retrieve a gun after he and two associates got into a physical altercation with patrons of Sean’s Rhino Bar at 103rd Street and Western Avenue. Golden, who was off-duty, tried to break up the fight that had spilled out on to Western Avenue. As Golden and other patrons began walking away, Bryant Hayes, who is also charged, is alleged to have fired the gun at the crowd, striking Golden in the back. The 32-year-old officer was left paralyzed and is going through intensive therapy.

Krismantis, Hayes and Demitrius Harrell are said to have fled the scene in their respective vehicles. Afterward, the three joked about the shooting via a group text stating,“Let’s get drunk this weekend and start a bar fight,” and “The sh*t was fun they beat my ass too,” prosecutors said.

Since their initial court appearance in July, the three men have been held without bail in Cook County Jail.

“Allowing this dangerous gun offender back on the street would jeopardize public safety,” Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) said in a written statement. “I’m asking anyone available to join me on Monday … to support the Golden family.”

Last month, 19th Ward residents packed the courtroom when Hayes was in court seeking a bond reduction and pretrial release. Hayes was denied by Cook County Judge Diana Kenworthy.

Based on the crowd that is expected, anyone interested in attending in person is advised to arrive before the 9:30 a.m. court call in Room 203 at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, 26th and California.

Those who can’t attend in person can join by Zoom, using the meeting code 982-881-78716, and the pass code 592583. During Hayes hearing, attendees exceeded Zoom’s 300-person limit.