One of two men charged with killing cabbie Edwin Obazuaye during robbery in 2013 gets 60 years

Jeff Mayes — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:08:22 -0500

By LEEANN SHELTON
Chicago Sun-Times Wire

Eric Taylor | Cook County sheriff's office

One of two men charged with the fatal shooting of cab driver Edwin Obazuaye during a 2013 robbery on the South Side has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Eric Taylor, 31, was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder on July 29 following a four-day jury trial, according to court records. Judge Vincent Gaughan sentenced him to a total of 60 years in prison at a hearing Friday, court records show.

Obazuaye picked up Taylor and co-defendant Gregory James at Taylor’s home in the 8500 block of South Parnell about 5:45 p.m. March 14, 2013, authorities said previously.

Gregory James | Cook County sheriff's office

When the men entered the cab, they demanded the driver’s possessions, police said. After traveling about a mile, at least one of the men opened fire near 91st and Lafayette.

Obazuaye was shot twice, and the men ran off with his cell phone, authorities said. The South Holland resident died four days later.

James is still awaiting trial and will next appear in court Oct. 23.

Gregory James charged with murder in 2013 shooting death of cab driver Edwin Obazuaye

Michael Lansu — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 18:30:05 -0500

Gregory James / Photo from Chicago Police

Gregory James is the second man to be charged with murder in the shooting death of a 48-year-old cab driver Edwin Obazuaye last year on the South Side.

James, 29 of the 6400 block of South Richmond Street, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of forcible murder, police said. Eric Taylor, 28, had previously been charged with murder.

Obazuaye had picked up James and Taylor in the 8500 block of South Parnell about 5:45 p.m. March 14, 2013, authorities said.

When the men entered the cab they demanded the driver’s possessions, police said. After traveling about a mile, at least one of the men opened fire near South Lafayette Avenue and West 91st Street.

Obazuaye was shot twice, and the men ran off with his cell phone, authorities said.

Obazuaye, of South Holland, died four days later, authorities said.

Taylor is being held without bond, while James is being held on $2 million bond.

-- Sun-Times Media Wire

Gregory James | Homicide Watch Chicago

One of two men charged with killing cabbie Edwin Obazuaye during robbery in 2013 gets 60 years

Gregory James charged with murder in 2013 shooting death of cab driver Edwin Obazuaye