Bolingbrook WeatherTech Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A 27-year-old Chicago man who is charged with killing one of his co-workers and shooting two others at Bolingbrook’s WeatherTech facility in June has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Charles McKnight faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault in connection with the incident which took place after Bolingbrook Police said McKnight robbed the men, who then confronted McKnight.

Police said that McKnight, who was a temporary employee at the facility, robbed his fellow co-workers at gunpoint when he stole a watch and a wallet, police said. When confronted, McKnight shot all three men and killed one — 37-year-old Plainfield man Central Hightower.

McKnight was indicted by a grand jury last month and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder along with the aggravated assault charges. Police said in June that the shooting did not appear to be premediated.

The other two men who were shot, Curtis Moore III and Elvis Thomas, were treated and released from a local hospital following the incident.

McKnight, who is due back in court on Aug. 17 after he appeared via video conference on Wednesday, is being held on a $5 million bond, 10 percent of which he would need to post in order to be released.

McKnight has not yet been charged with robbery charges but could face additional charges, police said.