Accused Gunman Charged In Howard Street Drive-By Shooting: Police

EVANSTON, IL — The man police say shot an Evanston woman last month on Howard Street was arrested Monday in Central Illinois, authorities said. The man's uncle was already awaiting trial on an arson charge after setting fire to the car used in the drive-by shooting, according to prosecutors. Both were being held at Cook County Jail as of Thursday.

Elijah Murphy, 24, of the 800 block of Hinman Avenue, Evanston, faces one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, a class X felony, after police said he was identified as the shooter in an April 27 incident in the 500 block of Howard Street.

That morning, a 28-year-old woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds when a white Kia pulled up alongside the car she was riding in with her boyfriend and opened fire. According to Evanston police and Cook County prosecutors, Murphy fired three shots into the car, striking the woman twice in her arm and chest.

The woman called 911 to report Murphy had just shot her, and her boyfriend took her to Evanston Hospital within about 10 minutes of the shooting, authorities said. Prosecutors said the woman was acquainted with Murphy in recent years and identified him in a photo lineup.

Around 12:20 p.m., about 40 minutes after the shooting, the white Kia was set on fire by Murphy's uncle, according to prosecutors, who said he was captured on video buying the gas and removing his clothes after burning the vehicle.

Michael Murphy, 40, also of the 800 block of Hinman Avenue, Evanston, was arrested around 2 p.m. the next day and charged with arson in connection with a car fire in the 600 block of Case Street, police said.

As of Thursday, the elder Murphy was being held at Cook County Jail in lieu of the $10,000 cash portion of his bond ahead of his next court appearance on May 27.

Earlier this month, Evanston police issued a nationwide arrest warrant for the younger Murphy.

Police said he was arrested in Bloomington Monday with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service, picked up at the McLean County Jail and returned to Cook County for a court hearing.

Cook County Circuit Judge Paul Pavlus ordered Elijah Murphy to remain jailed in lieu of the $50,000 cash portion of his bond ahead of a May 28 court hearing.