Second teen charged with killing retired CPD officer appears in court

Andrea Medina and Gabriel Castillo

40 minutes ago

CHICAGO — A second teenager accused of killing a former Chicago police officer appeared in court Saturday.

Marquan Jones, 17, was ordered to remain in custody after a judge agreed with prosecutors that he posed a risk to the community.

Chicago police said Jones, alongside Lazarius Watt, 16, allegedly opened fire on Larry Neuman, 73, outside his West Garfield Park home last week, leaving him fatally wounded.

Neuman, who was a retired CPD officer, veteran and pastor, was a valued member of the West Garfield Park community.

The two teens, who each face charges of first-degree murder, murder and armed robbery, were charged as adults.

“He went with his mother in this matter.” Assistant State's Attorney Eugene Wood said Saturday.

Police said they arrested Jones Thursday, just days after Watt turned himself in to police in connection with the deadly shooting.

On Saturday, Jones appeared in Cook County Criminal Court for a hearing. During his arraignment, prosecutors said Neuman was paying a man who was helping him mow his lawn when he noticed two people approaching them in ski masks.

“Jones approached Mr. Neuman and was only a few feet away when he said freeze and reached out to grab Mr. Neuman,” Wood said. “Mr. Neuman stepped back and reached for his gun when defendant Jones shot Mr. Neuman.

Prosecutors said the two teens were armed and fled after shooting Neuman. They said Neuman managed to fire a single shot but fell after being shot multiple times in the chest and leg.

Neuman later died from his injuries.

Defense attorneys denied the allegations against Jones and added that he surrendered and cooperated with police.

Prosecutors said several witnesses who knew the two teenagers helped identify them.

In court, the judge called Jones' actions “violent,” saying he posed a danger to the community.

On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered at St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church in the city's West Side to pay tribute to Nneuman.

“This is the West Side of Chicago and he was the epitome of his love for this community, his love for his people and his love for all of us,” Ald. Jason Ervin (28th Ward) said at the ceremony.

Jones is scheduled to appear in court next on Tuesday, July 2, while Watt is due back in court on Tuesday, July 16.