Man once featured in Chicago Magazine profile charged in East Garfield Park murder

A 21-year-old man who was once featured in a Chicago Magazine profile when he was a teenager has been charged with murder for his alleged role in a deadly East Garfield Park shooting.

Jerryon Stevens faces a count of first-degree murder for the apparent gang-related attack that claimed the life of 20-year-old Jim Courtney-Clarks in December, Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Kevin DeBoni said Thursday.

On Dec. 22, Stevens allegedly drove a stolen Honda to the 700 block of North Ridgeway Avenue, where two members of the Traveling Vice Lords got out of the Honda and opened fire at Courtney-Clarks and another man as they walked on the sidewalk.

Courtney-Clarks was struck in the abdomen and later died at a hospital. The other man was able to escape.

Chicago police

Investigators used surveillance camera footage and cellphone records to track Stevens and the two gunmen, who have not been charged, DeBoni said.

Stevens’ face and distinctive clothing was recorded by a camera at a convenience store where Stevens met up with the gunmen before the shooting, DeBoni said.

Stevens was also identified by a Chicago police officer who viewed the surveillance footage and recognized him, DeBoni said.

He was arrested Monday.

Stevens was the subject of a lengthy 2016 profile story in Chicago Magazine that detailed his dreams and the hardships he faced growing up on the West Side.

He was working at a family business and for a moving company to support his young daughter before his arrest, an assistant public defender said Thursday.

Judge Mary Marubio ordered Stevens held without bail.

He is expected back in court July 8.