BRONZEVILLE — An 18-year-old man has been charged with the shooting death of civilian police employee John Buckner as he unloaded groceries outside his Morgan Park home last month.
William Cochran, 18, is charged with first-degree murder for shooting Buckner in the 11500 block of South Church Street on Sept. 16, the Chicago Police Department announced Friday.
Cochran was riding bikes with two others on Sept. 16 when they encountered Buckner unloading groceries from his car. The group shot at Buckner, striking him in his stomach, police said. They also wounded a 41-year-old man who was sitting on a nearby porch, police said.
Buckner died from his wounds at Advocate Christ Medical Center that night. The other wounded man, who was struck in his ear, is expected to make a full recovery, Dept. Chief Eugene Roy said at a press conference Friday.
Buckner, 59, was a 25-year veteran of the general support division of the police department, working in the Morgan Park District.
His "senseless" death hit home with officers and detectives, who worked extra dilligently to find Buckner's killers, Roy said.
"He was part of the the family," Roy said of Buckner. "It was a rough road."
Roy said detectives used their "unique and specialized street knowledge" to find Cochran. He said that effort was aided by community members who spoke up.
"I can't emphasize enough, our best efforts can only go so far without the help of the community," Roy said.
Cochran, of the 11300 block of South Loomis Avenue, was charged Friday morning with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and discharging a firearm, police said. He was due in court Friday.
Cochran was a documented gang member, according to police.
Police are still looking for two others who were with Cochran at the time of the shooting, Roy said.
Police are working to determine a motive in the shooting, Roy said.
Buckner's family was notified of the charges shortly after they were filed this morning, Roy said.
"It's my sincere hope that they quick resolution will bring them some semblance of peace," Roy said.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
