Man charged with murders of Donald Brunson and Miguel Williams during shootout in West Pullman

Jeff Mayes — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:03:56 -0500

By RUMMANA HUSSAIN
Chicago Sun-Times

Rodney Harbin | Chicago Police

A man faces murder charges for the deaths of his friend, Donald Carter Brunson, and rival Miguel Williams during a deadly shootout in the Far South Side West Pullman neighborhood last month.

Meanwhile, Rodney Harbin’s attorney argued that the incident on Sept. 21 was a case of self-defense.

Harbin killed Miguel Williams near the parking lot of Halsted Bowl in the 12000 block of South Halsted Street, Cook County prosecutors said in court Thursday.

While pointing a gun at the driver of an SUV, Harbin demanded the driver give up the vehicle in exchange for a gun he accused Williams of stealing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jamie Santini said.

Miguel Williams | Facebook

Harbin, 34, asked Brunson to open the SUV door, Santini said. That’s when Williams started shooting from inside the SUV and killed the 28-year-old Brunson, Santini said.

Harbin then fired into the SUV at Williams, 34, and two others, Santini said.

Harbin then walked toward the back of the SUV and fired a second volley of bullets, Santini said. Williams was shot once.

The people in the SUV drove off and eventually flagged down a squad car, Santini said. Williams was taken to an area hospital, where he died.

Brunson died at the scene, where police recovered 17 shell casings, Santini said.

Before the shooting, Williams and his friends; and Harbin, Brunson and their friends were at the bowling alley, Santini said.

Harbin got into an argument with Williams’ friends outside over the gun he believed Williams took, Santini said. After Williams and his friends got into the SUV, Harbin allegedly came back several minutes later armed with a gun.

Several witnesses identified Harbin as Williams’ shooter, Santini said. Harbin, of the 500 block of West 116th, turned himself in to police on Tuesday.

Judge Maria Kuriakos-Ciesil asked Santini several questions in court about the allegations, but concluded that Harbin was a “danger to himself and society.”

Harbin was charged with murder for the deaths of Williams and Brunson, and vehicular hijacking. He was ordered held without bond.

Rodney Harbin | Homicide Watch Chicago

Man charged with murders of Donald Brunson and Miguel Williams during shootout in West Pullman