Devontay Murray – A 29-year-old parolee is in custody facing multiple felony charges following a series of armed robberies targeting women in Lincoln Park and Little Italy.
The pattern was swift and calculated: a lone woman walking through Lincoln Park or Little Italy, confronted suddenly by a gunman demanding her jewelry. By the time police connected the string of four violent encounters, the suspect was already a man known to the system.
Devontay A. Murray, 29, now sits in custody at the Leighton Criminal Court building, facing a slate of robbery and theft charges. Murray. who resides in the 1000 block of South Lytle Street in Little Italy. had been released on parole just months ago. on May 8. His prior record includes convictions for aggravated battery to a peace officer and arson. and at the time of his arrest. he was also wanted on two outstanding warrants.
The string of attacks stretched across the summer, culminating in a violent double-header on September 20. That afternoon, between 3:30 p.m. and 3:40 p.m., a 26-year-old woman was held at gunpoint in the 2200 block of North Halsted Street. Just five minutes later, at 3:45 p.m., a 40-year-old woman was robbed in the 1900 block of North Larrabee Street.
Earlier incidents indicate a broader timeline of activity. On July 30 at 6:30 a.m., a 44-year-old woman was robbed in the 1200 block of West Taylor Street. On September 2 at 11:26 p.m. in the 1000 block of South Racine Avenue. a 31-year-old woman was robbed. and a second woman was subjected to aggravated battery.
Police had previously signaled the danger in a community alert last month. warning residents that at least two men—one armed—were stalking women walking alone in broad daylight. The focus of the investigation now turns to the courtroom. where a detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday to determine if Murray will remain behind bars while the case proceeds.
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