UPDATE: Woman Charged In Fatal Shooting Of Police Officer
Sun-Times Reporting
CHICAGO -- Robin Johnson, 44, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Chicago Police officer Richard Francis. Her family spokesman has commented on her life.
Johnson, of 1725 N. Mason Ave., was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and disarming a police officer, according to Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin.
Johnson faces one count of first-degree murder, one count of disarming a police officer and four counts of attempted murder, according to police News Affairs.
Police said Johnson, still hospitalized, was charged late Thursday evening.
Investigators have reviewed videotape from the bus. But exactly what set Johnson off remained a mystery, in part because investigators had not been able to speak with her, law enforcement sources said earlier in the day. She was reportedly unconscious.
Johnson is expected to be in bond court at noon at the Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave., Conklin said.
Johnson is charged in the murder of Francis, a 27-year veteran of the force. He was fatally shot Wednesday with his own service weapon after struggling with Johnson near a North Side police station.
Officers responding to Officer Francis’ call for assistance with the disturbance near Belmont and Western opened fire on the woman, critically wounding her, police said.
Both Francis and the woman were initially taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Francis, 60, was pronounced dead at 2:57 a.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Francis is the first Chicago police officer shot to death in the line of duty since 2002.
He was alone on patrol in a squad car when a CTA bus driver flagged him down. The driver was worried about a woman who became verbally abusive when the eastbound bus stopped on Belmont to let passengers out.
The driver did not open the doors and honked the horn to flag down Francis for assistance, Belmont District Cmdr. John Kenny said.
Francis called for backup and stopped to help. The woman struggled with Francis, grabbed his revolver and shot him, police said.
Francis suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to a Wednesday autopsy, and the death was ruled a homicide, according to a report from the medical examiner's office.
“It's a tragic loss for his family. It’s a terrible loss for the Chicago Police Department,” police Supt. Jody Weis said outside the hospital. “It's a stark reminder of what the dangers that the officers of this department face every day.”
Mayor Daley said Francis’ death is a “sad reminder of how much gratitude we owe to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department.”
•HER BROTHER, Tony, has stepped forward to apologize to the officer’s family.
"I am sorry for whatever happened,'' said Tony, 41. "Whether my sister is guilty or not guilty, my condolences go out to them for their loss. . . . It's ugly all the way around.''
Tony said she has from epilepsy and took at least two medications for it. They also said she suffers from mental illness and in the days prior to the shooting, pulled a knife on one of her daughters after becoming confused, acting as if she didn't recognize her. Tony said he has also seen his sister confused about who he was, but he has never seen her "snap off.''
Her daughters have said Johnson must have been off her medication if she shot Francis.
Johnson's family also said they have not been able to see her.
•VISITATION FOR Officer Francis will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday in Cooney Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Monica Catholic Church, 5136 N. Nottingham Ave.
Copyright 2008 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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