A 25-year-old Chicago man is facing an attempted first-degree murder charge after a February stabbing on the South Side that left another man seriously injured, according to police.
Authorities say the victim, a 32-year-old man, was attacked on Feb. 21 in the 8500 block of South Calumet Avenue in Chatham. The suspect, identified by police as Christopher Benson Jr., was arrested Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday.
Arrest and charge
Chicago police arrested Benson on Tuesday in the 2400 block of West Belmont Avenue and charged him with one felony count of attempted first-degree murder, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Investigators identified Benson as the person who allegedly stabbed and seriously wounded the 32-year-old victim in the 8500 block of South Calumet Avenue on Feb. 21.
Neighborhood context
The stabbing unfolded in Chatham on Chicago's South Side, a neighborhood that has been grappling with a run of violent incidents and public safety concerns this spring. Earlier this month, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that a Walgreens in Chatham is closing, with officials citing theft and violent incidents as key reasons.
Charges and possible penalties
Under Illinois law, an attempt to commit first-degree murder is prosecuted as a Class X felony. As outlined in an Illinois Supreme Court opinion summarized on Justia, Class X felonies carry some of the state's longest prison terms, and sentencing can be increased when aggravating factors are involved. Court rulings and the statute note that firearm-related conduct or other aggravating circumstances can significantly bump up potential prison time.
Benson is expected back in court Thursday, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Cook County court records and any future Chicago Police Department statements are likely to provide more detail on how the case progresses.
