Man charged in fatal shooting of Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer denied bond

February 15, 2018 10:31PM
CHICAGO (WLS) --
A convicted felon accused of killing Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer was ordered held without bond Thursday.
Shomari Legghette arrived at the courthouse under heavy guard in a Chicago police van. The 44-year-old defendant was dressed in a Chicago Bears t-shirt as several members of CPD looked on, many with black bands over their badges.
Legghette has been charged with first-degree murder of a police officer, aggravated use of a weapon by a felon and drug charges. Legghette is a four-time felon who had just finished parole for a drug conviction.
After the hearing video taken at the jail show Legghette receiving applause. The county is planning to take action against the inmates who participated.
"Throughout his extensive criminal history, he was previously arrested for numerous charges for drugs, armed robbery and gun possession," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
Legghette had been on the run from police Tuesday when Commander Paul Bauer tried to help tactical officers make a street stop on him. Police said Bauer was in uniform at the time.
"The commander was in his police vehicle when he heard the radio communication regarding the defendant fleeing. Shortly thereafter, Commander Bauer saw the defendant running nearby," Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said.
When officers arrested Legghette, they said he had a firearm along with heroin, crack cocaine and cash. He was also wearing body armor.
A chase between the two ended up at the Thompson Center, and prosecutors said that's when Legghette fired seven shots, hitting Bauer six times in the head, neck, back, torso and wrist. Police said Bauer never had the chance to fire his gun. In fact, his weapon was holstered and secured; his police radio and handcuffs were on the ground next to his body.
Prosecutors said three civilian witnesses identified Legghette as the man who tussled with Bauer at the stairwell and surveillance video shows the foot chase and struggle. Prosecutors also said Legghette's right hand tested positive for gunshot residue.
A cab driver, one of prosecutor's key witnesses, said there was something about Legghette's calm demeanor that was unsettling.
"It's incredible that something like this happens, and you just look fine, normal, like you're okay, like nothing happened," the driver, who asked to be called Eddie, said.
"There is no more serious offense than the killing of a police officer in the line of duty," Foxx said.
Authorities describe Legghette as a career criminal, but Maurice Perkins said his Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation tried to help him turn his life around.
"He was not the world's worst in the community, and we sent him on interviews for construction. He was really trying to get on board and go to work," Perkins said.
http://abc7chicago.com/man-charged-i...-bond/3087844/

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