A man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for shooting a gang member to death during a dispute over drugs two years ago in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side.
Derek Jones, 32, was found guilty June 18 after a bench trial before Judge James Linn, according to Cook County court records.
Lenardo Allison 26, was involved in an argument that escalated into a fight just after 4 a.m. Aug. 20, 2013 in the 6200 block of South Ashland, authorities said at the time.
During the altercation, drugs fell to the ground and Derek Jones and the man fighting with Allison picked them up and walked towards a nearby parking lot.
Allison and other witnesses followed the pair and another argument ensued, according to court documents. Jones then extended his arm towards Allison’s head and shot him, prosecutors allege.
Allison, of the 6200 block of South Laflin, was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:22 a.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. An autopsy determined he died from a gunshot wound to the eye and his death was ruled a homicide.
Police said Allison was a documented gang member.
Nearby police officers heard the gunshot and saw people running, according to court documents. Witnesses identified Jones as the shooter and told police they saw him toss the gun near a garbage can.
Investigators found a .22 caliber shell casing near Allison’s body and a .22 caliber gun near the garbage can, according to court documents. Lab tests indicated the shell casing and the bullet recovered from Allison’s body were from the gun found by the garbage can.
Judge Linn sentenced Jones to 13 years in prison on Oct. 14, according to court records. He will receive credit for 785 days served in the Cook County jail.
