The attorney for Antonio Brown, the father of 7-year-old Amari Brown, says his client was not the intended target of the Fourth of July shooting that killed his son.
Antonio Brown, 29, appeared in court Wednesday with Amari's mother and other family members and friends. Brown's attorney said the police jumped to conclusions when they claimed Brown was the intended target of the fatal shooting.
In a press conference to address the violent holiday weekend Sunday, Police Supt. Garry McCarthy cited Brown's record, saying he had been arrested 45 times and was a documented gang member. He also said the bullet that struck Amari was meant for his father.
An NBC Chicago investigation found that Brown has been charged in Cook County Criminal Court in 32 separate cases since 2003. In 12 of those cases he was found guilty. Five of those convictions were for felonies, all involving possession and dealing of narcotics, like cocaine and heroin.
Brown's most recent arrest happened in April for felony gun charges. He was released from jail the next day after posting $5,000 on a $50,000 bond. Brown pleaded not guilty in the case.
Brown's attorney denied that his client is an "admitted gang member" and said they are working with police. He would not say who they believe the intended target was, however.
In court Wednesday, the judge offered condolences for the family and continued the case to Aug. 10.
Amari was shot to death while watching fireworks with his father just before midnight on the Fourth of July. His funeral is scheduled for this Saturday morning at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.
The child's family described him as a "jokester" and a "sweet, sweet little boy" who loved to run and play.
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The shooter has not been identified, and nobody is in custody.
