The quiet of a Park Forest neighborhood was shattered last week when two women were found dead in a residence on Miami Street. The Park Forest Police Department, as reported by WGN TV, has identified Coleman Franklin as the suspect in this double homicide, which occurred on December 26. Franklin, currently not in custody, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Lillian Brown, 51, and Sabrina McCain, 30, and an arrest warrant has been issued for his apprehension.
Upon responding to a call just after 6:00 p.m., officers discovered the bodies of the two victims along with two children who were thankfully unharmed. The children were subsequently taken to area hospitals for observation, demonstrating the presence of innocence amidst tragedy. In their report, WGN TV shared that this attack was not random, as Franklin knew the women.
Franklin's past is marred with legal issues and violence. Court records reveal that he pleaded guilty to a burglary case in 1991 and received a two-year probation sentence. However, he violated probation terms and was charged with attempted murder among other charges the following year, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence. After his release, he was indicted and later pleaded guilty to perjury in 2000, serving an additional 30 months on probation.
Neighbors have expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident. Dyrece Boyd told NBC Chicago, "It’s just unfortunate that had to happen and those babies don’t have their mother and grandmother anymore." Boyd described Brown as a diligent and discreet neighbor who would engage in simple routines like gardening, an activity that now stands in stark contrast to the violence that occurred. Brown was known for her quiet dedication to work and her simple, peaceful life, as detailed by neighbors and relayed in the NBC Chicago coverage.
The Park Forest Police Department has called for anyone with information to contact them at 708-748-1309 to assist in the search for Franklin. As the community mourns, the police continue their pursuit of justice for Brown, McCain, and the lives violently disrupted by this act.
