Jerome Lofton / Photo from Chicago Police
BY EMILY BROSIOUS
Homicide Watch Chicago
Jerome Lofton attempted to pistol whip Darrien Jordan during an Tuesday afternoon fight in the North Lawndale neighborhood, prosecutors said.
Lofton then stepped back and shot Jordan in the abdomen, said Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen Rogers.
The men had been arguing on a sidewalk in the 3900 block of West Grenshaw Street about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Rogers said. During the argument, a white car pulled up and Lofton allegedly reached inside and grabbed a handgun.
Lofton then dropped the gun back into the car and ran away, Rogers said.
Jordan, 21, who lived on the block, died at Mount Sinai Hospital at 4 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Jordan’s longtime friend Savoia Johnson said she knew both men and described them as “buddies.”
“That’s why it’s so hard to believe he shot him. You always think it’s going to be a stranger, not someone you know, not a friend,” Johnson said.
Darrien Jordan / Photo from Facebook
Portions of the incident were captured on video, and several witnesses identified Lofton as the shooter, Rogers said.
Lofton, 32, of the 3700 block of West Polk Street, was charged with first-degree murder. Judge Laura Sullivan ordered him held without bond Friday.
A public defender said Lofton had attended Roberto Clemente High School and was working for a temp agency.
He will be back in court June 24.