In early March, the nation was stunned to hear about the senseless murder of 6-month-old, Jonylah Watkins, on Chicago’s south side (read here). Well, today there has been some good news to report pertaining to the case.
First off, you may remember that Jonylah was shot multiple times while her father — a known gangbanger — was changing her diaper while sitting in a parked vehicle. Jonylah’s father was also wounded in the drive-bye-shooting, and survived his wounds. Thankfully, his coöperation in the investigation has led to the arrest of Konan Willis — a convicted felon — for the alleged murder of Jonylah Watkins.
A South Side felon was charged Monday with killing baby Jonylah Watkins and wounding her father because he was angry the dad stole a PlayStation, police said.
Koman Willis, of the 7800 block of South St. Lawrence, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery, said Sally Daly, a spokeswoman for the Cook County state’s attorney.
Willis surrendered to police Saturday afternoon, accompanied by an attorney, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said.
“He knew we were looking for him,” McCarthy said.
Willis didn’t give police a statement about the March 11 shootings, McCarthy said. Police haven’t recovered the gun or the getaway vehicle, he said.
As tragic as was this child’s murder, it is infuriating to know that her death was over a stolen PlayStation videogame system.
Authorities said they believe the shootings were in retaliation for Jonylah’s father allegedly burglarizing Willis’ mother’s home. A PlayStation videogame device was among the items stolen, officials said. Jonylah’s father, Jonathan Watkins, probably won’t be charged in the burglary, McCarthy said.
Jonylah Watkin’s father took a lot of heat in the court of public opinion. Many were upset because many believe that it was his criminal lifestyle that was indirectly responsible for his daughter’s death. As undeniable as that may be, I believe Johnathan Watkins refusal to remain silent and coöperate in the investigation shouold be applauded. As ridiculous as that might sound, considering the “stop snitchng” code of the streets it’s good to see that he did the right thing. Hopefully this is a wakeup call he recognizes, and makes the conscious effort to turn his life around.
This from Chicago Sun-Times:
