Michael Sullivan and daughter Latese Sullivan / Family Photo
BY MICHAEL LANSU
Homicide Watch Chicago Editor
A man and 16-year-old boy have been charged with murder for allegedly fatally shooting 53-year-old Michael Sullivan during an attempted robbery Tuesday night in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.
Rayshon Williams and Derrick Williams were each charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery, authorities said.
Rayshon Williams appeared before Judge Laura Sullivan wearing a navy blue juvenile detention center T-shirt and sweat pants and was ordered held on $1 million bond. Derrick Williams, 20, of the 1600 block of South Spaulding Avenue, will appear for a bond hearing Saturday, police said.
“I want justice,” Sullivan’s oldest daughter Latoya Griffin said outside the courtroom. “This kid is only a year older than [Michael Sullivan’s] grandson.”
The Williams were in a car looking for someone to rob when they saw Sullivan walking to the train in the 4200 block of West Lake Street about 11:05 p.m. Tuesday, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Sara Ondera.
Sullivan was walking to the Green Line Pulaski station to take the train to his job at UPS, where he worked for 32 years, his family said.
Rayshon Williams exited the car and grabbed Sullivan, who pulled away and kept walking, Ondera said. Rayshon Williams got back in the car and the accomplice drove towards Sullivan, prosecutors said.
“He worked hard for anything he had, so he wasn’t the type just to let you come and just take something from him,” Sullivan’s oldest daughter, Latoya Griffin.
Derrick Williams got out of the car and shot Sullivan in the face, authorities said.
Sullivan, of the 4300 block of West Maypole Avenue, was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Family members said Sullivan lived on the West Side his entire life and went to Austin High School, where he played running back and safety on the football team. He later received an associate’s degree from DeVry University.
Rayshon Williams knew Derrick Williams had a gun when they were looking to rob somebody, authorities said.
The pair initially fled, but police attempted to stop them in a stolen vehicle on Wednesday, Ondera said. Derrick Williams instead sped away and deliberately crashed into a police car, authorities said.
Derrick Williams / Photo from Chicago Police
Rayshon Williams was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a replica firearm or pellet gun and criminal damage to public property, authorities said. Derrick Williams was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass to a vehicle, police said.
“It was sad. They should be home doing homework,” Sullivan’s youngest daughter, Latese Sullivan said outside the courtroom.
Rayshon Williams admitted his involvement in the attempted robbery and knowing his accomplice had a gun, Ondera said. The murder was captured on video surveillance, police said.
Outside the courtroom, Rayshon Williams family said he did not commit the crime and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They said Rayshon Williams is a leader, not a follower.
Rayshon Williams lives with his grandmother, his legal guardian, and attended high school, his family said.
Rayshon Williams, of the 1900 block of South Millard Avenue, was on parole for a 2012 possession of a controlled substance charge, according to the state’s attorney’s office. He had previously found delinquent for two other possession of a controlled substance charges.
— Contributing: Safiya Merchant