Prosecutors: Charles Johnson fatally shot Lydell Lynch at South Shore party

Michael Lansu — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:16:31 -0600

Charles Johnson / Photo from Chicago Police

BY REEMA AMIN
Sun-Times Media

Charles L. Johnson was denied bond Tuesday after prosecutors said he fled to Iowa after fatally shooting Lydell Lynch inside a South Shore apartment in November 2014.

On Nov. 7, 2014, Johnson was in the 7300 block of South Blackstone Avenue when a 19-year-old man left a party and asked Johnson for a cigarette, said Assistant State's Attorney Enrique Abraham.

Johnson then pushed past the man and went into the party looking for his girlfriend, Abraham said.

Inside, Johnson found the 22-year-old Lynch in the dining room and shot him multiple times in chest, authorities said.

The 19-year-old who asked for a cigarette then tried to take the gun from Johnson, but the 19-year-old was shot during the struggle, Abraham said.

Lynch, who lived on the block, was taken to Jackson Park Hospital, where he died about 45 minutes later, according the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The 19-year-old survived his injuries.

Lydell Lynch / Photo from Facebook

Police recovered the gun and five shell casings, Abraham said.

The 19-year-old later identified Johnson in a photo array, Abraham said. Johnson, 22, was arrested on murder charges Jan. 13 in Iowa City, Iowa and was extradited to Chicago on Monday, police said.

On Tuesday, Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. ordered Johnson held without bond.

“You walk into an apartment and start shooting ... you are a danger,” Bourgeois said.

Johnson lives with his mother in the 6400 block of South Ellis Avenue and with his girlfriend in the 3900 block of West Van Buren Street, according to an assistant public defender. Before being arrested, Johnson worked at a factory and completed his sophomore year at South Shore High School.

Johnson was previously sentenced to four years in prison for a 2010 robbery and two years probation for aggravated battery to a peace officer, court records show.

Johnson will be back in court Feb. 17.

Charles Johnson | Homicide Watch Chicago

Prosecutors: Charles Johnson fatally shot Lydell Lynch at South Shore party