Chicago police say a 20-year-old man is now in custody, accused of being behind two separate South Side crimes, including a stabbing during an attempted robbery. The suspect, identified by police as Malachi Willis-Hightower, was arrested Tuesday and charged with a slate of felonies that include attempted murder, kidnapping, attempted robbery and burglary. One case stems from a March stabbing, the other from an alleged vehicle burglary. He was scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday as the case moves through Cook County court.
What police say
Investigators identified Willis-Hightower as the person who on March 15 allegedly stabbed and injured a 35-year-old man during an attempted robbery in the 2100 block of East 67th Street, according to CBS Chicago. The outlet reports he was also charged this week in connection with the alleged burglary of a vehicle in the 7400 block of South Paxton Avenue and that officers booked him following his arrest. According to CBS Chicago, Willis-Hightower faces felony counts including attempted murder, kidnapping, attempted robbery and burglary, and court records were not immediately available.
Where this fits in
Recent citywide data and reporting show that while overall violent crime has declined in Chicago in recent years, neighborhoods on the South Side still shoulder a disproportionate share of the violence. WTTW has reported a notable drop in homicides in 2025, and analysis from the University of Chicago Crime Lab highlights how gun violence remains highly concentrated in specific parts of the city. Community groups and local officials often point to arrests like this as just one part of a broader strategy that mixes enforcement with prevention efforts aimed at curbing repeat violence.
Legal status
Willis-Hightower remains in custody on multiple felony counts and was scheduled to appear for a detention hearing, where prosecutors will determine how to proceed with formal charges as the investigation continues. The potential penalties for the alleged offenses depend on state law and the details of any eventual indictment, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Police have asked anyone with information about either incident to contact Chicago police, according to CBS Chicago.
