Chicago Police

Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Cook County Judge: Police

A 37-year-old man has been charged in the fatal shooting of a Cook County judge during a robbery this week on Chicago's South Side, police announced Wednesday. 

Chicago authorities said Joshua Smith, who had turned himself in for questioning, was charged with murder, attempted murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the murder of Cook County Associate Judge Raymond Myles. 

Myles, 66, was fatally shot just before 5 a.m. Monday outside his home in the 9400 block of South Forest, police said.

Police said a 52-year-old woman walked out of her house and encountered the gunman. Words were exchanged, and the suspect shot her in the leg. Myles heard arguing and the gunshot and came to the aid of the woman, a friend the judge worked out with daily, according to police.

Myles "exchanged words with the offender," Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples said, and he was shot multiple times.

Police said they believe the robbery was "targeted" but Myles was not the intended target. 

"It's a direct attack on the criminal justice system that keeps our society safe," First Deputy Superintendent of Police Kevin Navarro said. "You have our word that we will not let Judge Myles' life be lost in vain, and we will hold his killer accountable."

Police said surveillance video played a crucial role in Smith's arrest, saying cameras captured a license plate that led them to a vehicle involved. The gun used in the crime is also linked to a robbery that took place in January. 

In that case, the victim survived but no arrests have been made. 

Authorities said they believe others were involved in Myles' death. 

Navarro - who called the judge's killing "another senseless act of violence" - said Supt. Eddie Johnson ordered the department to use every resource to track down the offender.

The FBI had offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to Myles' killer.

“I join all of the judges today in the Circuit Court of Cook County in expressing our sadness regarding the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Associate Judge Raymond Myles," Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans said. "I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Criminal Division.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives. 

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