Brother-In-Law Charged With Murder Of Northfield Attorney

NORTHFIELD, IL — A brother-in-law of the prominent attorney shot to death Monday evening has been charged with his murder. John Gately was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first degree murder in the fatal shooting of Stephen Shapiro, 72, according to a spokesperson for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

Police said Shapiro was murdered around 7:20 p.m. in a domestic incident inside his home in the 200 block of Latrobe Avenue.

Gately, 66, immediately fled the scene and barricaded himself in his apartment in the 1000 block of Tower in Winnetka where he was surrounded by heavily armed police.

After nearly three hours, Gately surrendered to officers from a multi-agency suburban emergency response team. He is due to appear in court in Skokie Thursday. Northfield police investigators have interviewed many witnesses and collected extensive evidence leading to the charges filed Wednesday evening, according to a release from Chief William Lustig and village staff.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim's family and friends," it said.

Shapiro was a partner in the law firm of Mayer Brown, which described him as "one of the most accomplished appellate lawyers in the United States." He founded the firm's Supreme Court and appellate law practice and argued dozens of cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. The North Shore native was survived by his daughter and wife, whose brother has been charged with murder in connection with his death.

Related:

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• Fatal Shooting In Northfield, Arrest In Winnetka After Standoff