Teen Charged with Murder in Shooting of Retired Police Bomb Tech

(ProsperNews.net) – Chicago police have charged a 16-year-old with murder over the death of an ex-cop. Retired officer Larry Neuman died from gunshot wounds sustained while mowing his lawn in the city’s West Side. Witnesses described two suspects approaching Mr. Neuman, one shouting at him to “freeze.” Roughly four or five gunshots rang out, and Mr. Neuman’s wife rushed from their home to find her husband wounded on the lawn. He died the same day in hospital.

The suspects fled, but CCTV footage recorded their departure, and several local residents confirmed the teenagers’ identities. The first suspect, Lazarius Watt, reportedly turned himself in days after the shooting and faces first-degree murder charges. Officials confirmed he will stand trial as an adult. The teen already has a significant criminal history and was on an electronic tag when he allegedly murdered 73-year-old Neuman.

During his first court appearance for the ex-cop’s murder, the judge described Watt as a danger to his community and ordered his detention until his next appearance in mid-July.

Police arrested the second suspected killer days later. The 17-year-old was not named, but officers confirmed he has also been charged with first-degree murder. The teenager likewise has a criminal history, and prosecutors have also charged him for an unrelated robbery last November.

Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Anne McCord described Mr. Neuman’s shooting and confirmed that he had reached for his own gun, and managed to discharge one bullet during the incident.

Chicago Police Department Commander Gene Roy said Neuman was the Windy City’s longest-serving explosives expert, with 28 years under his belt. He was also a part-time pastor at his local church, where a service was subsequently held in his memory.

His longtime friend Mary Baldwin told reporters that he devoted his life to his community and was deeply concerned for young people’s future. She said he often talked about younger generations and what society needs to do to help them live better lives.