COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — When a gunman opened fire in Garfield Park last summer — killing two men and wounding two others — witnesses caught a glimpse of a "distinctive face tattoo," prosecutors said Thursday.
That tattoo, a large red bird spanning several inches, led police to Frank "Lil Frank" Robinson, who was charged with first-degree murder in the double homicide.
According to Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini, Robinson, 19, is a member of the Traveling Vice Lord street gang.
Robinson was circling West Side streets in a dark BMW on Aug. 26 when he spotted 15-20 people at Horan Park about 10:20 a.m., prosecutors said. Several members of the group were believed to be rival Gangster Disciples.
Robinson got out of the BMW, pulled out a gun with an extended clip and began shooting at the group in the 3000 block of West Van Buren Street, Santini said. Though Robinson's face was initially concealed, he removed the covering before he left, exposing his tattoo, Santini noted.
In all, four men were shot.
Kwamaine Lovette, 22, died of a gunshot wound in his back. Kortney Blakes, 23, died of a gunshot wound in the back of his head. A 22-year-old man was shot in his shoulder, and a 23-year-old man was shot in his leg, prosecutors said.
Robinson ran back to the BMW and fled, according to authorities. Police later recovered 17 shell casings on the scene.
At least three witnesses were able to identify Robinson as the shooter, Santini said. Robinson bragged about "dropping opps," or shooting and killing rival gang members, the day after the fatal shooting, Santini said.
Police issued a warrant for Robinson, who was arrested at his home in suburban Forest Park on Tuesday, court records show.
Robinson is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery by discharging a gun.
Cook County Judge James Brown on Thursday ordered Robinson held without bail.
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