The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Crime News

Woman accused of throwing memorial photo of slain Chicago police Officer Ella French in trash facing felony charge

Anna Kochakian, 26, was arrested Wednesday. The Illinois State Police said she was restrained with handcuffs that belonged to French’s partner, Officer Carlos Yanez, who was badly wounded.

By  Sun-Times Wire
   
SHARE Woman accused of throwing memorial photo of slain Chicago police Officer Ella French in trash facing felony charge
Officer Ella French with a dog she rescued.

Officer Ella French with a dog she rescued.

Provided

A felony charge has been filed against a woman accused of throwing a memorial photograph of slain Chicago police Officer Ella French in the trash.

Anna Kochakian, 26, tore the photograph from a memorial at the Thompson Center the evening of Aug. 19, crumpled it and discarded it in the garbage at a nearby CTA platform, the Illinois State Police said.

Kochakian was arrested Wednesday at her home in Chicago. The state police said she was restrained with handcuffs that belonged to French’s partner, Officer Carlos Yanez, who was badly wounded in the shooting.

Related

Kochakian was charged with criminal damage to property and is expected to appear in court for a bond hearing Thursday, state police said.

French, 29, was fatally shot and Yanez critically wounded after they pulled over an SUV with expired plates at 63rd Street and Bell Avenue on Aug. 7.

Related

Two brothers, Emonte Morgan, 21, and Eric Morgan, 22, have been charged with several felonies, including murder and attempted murder in the shooting.

Related

Next Up In Crime
Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80
1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago
Cook County judge ‘refused to speak’ with police investigating another judge
CPD shifting cops to more violent beats as summer approaches
Woman claims self-defense in murder of rapper Johnny May Cash, says he beat her
Man killed in Back of the Yards shooting
The Latest
Northwestern students set up a protest camp on Deering Meadow on Thursday morning.
Israel-Hamas War
Northwestern student protesters clash with police over Palestine protest camp; no arrests reported
Students linked arms and formed a line against police after the Northwestern leaders said the tent encampment violated university policy.
By Isabel Funk
 
Alex Vlasic skates with the puck.
Blackhawks
Blackhawks sign Alex Vlasic to six-year contract, locking in defensive cornerstone
Vlasic, the Wilmette kid, will get to stay in Chicago long-term. His $4.6 million salary-cap hit could end up being a steal for the Hawks.
By Ben Pope
 
Israel-Hamas War
US, 17 other countries call on Hamas to release hostages
The joint statement is the latest attempt at public pressure to advance negotiations over a potential cease-fire with Israel.
By Associated Press
 
fathers of housemusic.jpeg. Vince Lawrence (from left), Wayne Williams, Curtis McClain, Byron Stingily, Chip E., and Marshall Jefferson (Credit Tara Lawrence).
NASCAR In Chicago
Top house music artists to perform during NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend
Powerhouse showcase is part of a weekend of music events planned for Grant Park’s Festival Field great lawn, which also features previously announced sets by Keith Urban, the Chainsmokers, the Black Keys and Lauren Alaina.
By Miriam Di Nunzio
 
Generic Chicago Police Department
Other Views
Hate crimes keep increasing. Here's what Chicago is doing about it.
Last year, Black and Brown residents, Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and others were targeted in hate crimes more than 300 times. Smart new policies, zero tolerance, cooperation and unity can defeat hate.
By Debra Silverstein