Crime & Safety

Chicago Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Downers Grove Man

John Serpe, 44, of Downers Grove, was shot and killed during an armed robbery in West Garfield Park on Feb. 9, according to media reports.

A 41-year-old Chicago man has been charged with first-degree murder after police said he fatally shot a Downers Grove man during an armed robbery on Feb. 9 in West Garfield Park, according to CBS Chicago. 

Anthony Tucker, of the 1400 block of South Canal Street in Chicago, has also been charged with one count of felony robbery armed with a discharged firearm and two counts of robbery armed with a firearm, according to CBS Chicago. 

Police said Tucker shot and killed John Serpe, 44, of the 2900 block of Maple Avenue in Downers Grove, while he was sitting in a vehicle with a female passenger in the 4500 block of West Monroe Street in Chicago around 5:10 a.m. on Feb. 9 when Tucker "announced he was robbing them," according to CBS Chicago. 

Serpe had tried to get away in the car when police said Tucker shot him in the chest and then went on to rob the female passenger before fleeing the scene, according to DNAinfo Chicago. 

Police also said Tucker robbed a different woman at gunpoint just before killing Serpe, according to DNAinfo Chicago. 

Family members told Suburban Life Publications John Serpe had struggled with substance abuse issues in the past but had recently gotten a new job in tech support and appeared to be getting his life together. 

He moved in with his mother, Toni Serpe of Downers Grove, about six months ago, and she saw John the night before the shooting when she made him hamburgers and french fries for dinner after he got done with work, according to Suburban Life Publications. 

Family members said they weren't sure what John was doing during the early morning hours of Feb. 9 in West Garfield Park, according to Suburban Life Publications. 

Tucker is expected in bond court Tuesday, according to DNAinfo Chicago. 

Read more in the Suburban Life Publications article. 


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