Chicago police have arrested 33-year-old Dalwayne Howard in connection with a deadly shooting in West Garfield Park, charging him with first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon after a man was killed on Oct. 6. The victim, a 36-year-old man, was found in the 0-100 block of N. Kilbourn Avenue and later died from his injuries. Howard was taken into custody on Thursday in the 2500 block of W. Fitch Avenue and is slated to appear in court on Sunday. Authorities say the investigation is still active.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, the Chicago Police Department outlined the steps that led detectives to Howard and to two felony charges: one count of first-degree murder and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. The outlet reports Howard was arrested on Nov. 13 at about 3:12 p.m., after investigators tied him to the Oct. 6 killing. The brief notes his next court date is set for Sunday, and that police have not released further details.
What the charges mean
Under Illinois law, first-degree murder is the state’s most serious homicide charge and can result in a sentence of decades in prison or a natural-life term, depending on the circumstances. The usual sentencing range for first-degree murder runs from 20 to 60 years, and the court may impose natural life if certain aggravating factors are present, according to the state’s sentencing statute. Separate felony weapons charges can increase a defendant’s total potential prison time if there are convictions on multiple counts. Illinois Compiled Statutes
What happens next
Howard is scheduled for a bond court appearance on Sunday, FOX 32 Chicago reports, while the Cook County state’s attorney reviews the case as detectives continue gathering evidence. Police say the case remains under investigation and have not immediately released the victim’s name in the short report. Howard, like any defendant, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
