16-Year-Old Charged As Adult In New Lenox Homicide: Cops

NEW LENOX, IL — A 16-year-old has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder stemming from the shooting of 19-year-old New Lenox resident Charles Baird on May 11. Baird was shot during an attempt to steal his car at Circle K gas station, 471 Nelson Road, and died from his injuries on May 13, police said in a news release.

16-year-old Kevin Johnson, of Harvey, will be charged as an adult in this case, and he appeared at the Will County Courthouse Friday.

In a video update about the investigation, Mayor Tim Baldermann said the last time there was a homicide investigation in New Lenox was in August 2000.

In the video update, New Lenox Police Chief April DiSandro also expressed her sympathy to Baird's family.

"I know that there is nothing we can say or do that will alleviate the pain of losing a child," DiSandro said.

According to police, a Hyundai Santa Fe stolen from Lockport on May 9 arrived at the gas station and pulled up at a pump across from Baird's car. While Baird was still inside the gas station, an occupant of the vehicle tried to open a door of Baird's Subaru.

Police said the vehicle was locked and the person returned to the Santa Fe. When Baird exited the gas station, he was approached by a second person who was pointing a handgun at him. After a "brief exchange of words," Baird turned and began to run. The offender ran after him and fired one shot, which struck Baird in the back.

The offender then ran back to the Santa Fe and fled the area, police said. New Lenox police officers arrived at the scene and found Baird inside the gas station. He was taken to Silver Cross Hospital, and eventually transferred to Christ Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Police said the Santa Fe was later recovered after it was involved in a car crash in Dolton on May 15. After an investigation, police said they identified Johnson, who was being held at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center on unrelated charges.

On Thursday, police learned that Johnson was being released, and he was taken into custody by investigators and taken to New Lenox Police Department, police said. The Will County State's Attorney's Office has approved the two felony charges of first-degree murder.

Johnson is being held on $2.5 million bond, and will next appear in court on July 16.