Shot Dead Over Puppy Piddle

Accused man routinely won beautification awards

A south suburban man was so obsessed with his well-kept lawn, police say he killed someone over it.

Former U.S. Marine Charles Clements, 69, is accused of shooting a neighbor whose puppy urinated on his award-winning grass.

The neighbor, Joshua Funches, 23, was walking his fox terrier on Laundau Road on Sunday night. As he passed Clements' residence, the dog lifted its leg and relieved itself, witnesses said.

Clements was not amused. Having repeatedly earned University Park's lawn upkeep award, Clements often verbally harassed anyone who stepped near or on his precious grass, neighbors say. A peeing puppy sent him over the edge.

The two men got into an argument. Clements then pulled out a gun and shot Funches in the abdomen, according to police.

Funches later died of his injuries. He was the father of two children, ages 1 and 4.

Witnesses directed police to Clements' home, where officers reportedly found a .45-caliber handgun.

Clements told the police, "I knew you were coming for me," reports the Chicago Tribune.

The former Marine is being held on $3 million bond and is charged with first- and second-degree murder.

Matt Bartosik is a Chicago native and a social media sovereign.

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