Teens Were 'Out Looking For Victims' Before Killing Officer: Police

CHICAGO — Four teenagers have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of off-duty Chicago Police officer Areanah Preston, who was killed outside of her home early Saturday morning.

Chicago Police officials announced the charges at a news conference on Wednesday morning when interim Chicago Police Superintendent Eric Carter.

The charges were filed against Joseph Brooks, 19, Jakwon Buchanan, 18, Travell Breeland, 19, and Jaylan Frazier, 16, who was charged as an adult, officials announced. The four were ordered held without bond on Wednesday afternoon after prosecutors told a judge that the four went on a crime spree before shooting Preston after needing money for a barbecue.

All the teens are also charged with other crimes, including armed robbery, arson, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and unlawful use of a weapon. All four were "out looking for victims" Friday night and early Saturday morning and sold the officer's gun after shooting her, prosecutors said.

The four are also connected to multiple robberies and with the theft of a Kia, which was taken around 12:30 a.m. before Preston was shot, Carter said. Police said the four got out of the stolen car and ran toward Preston while armed. One of the teens fired at Preston, who then returned fire, Carter said. But the offenders continued to shoot at the officer before one of the teens took Preston's gun and fled.

An officer responding to a nearby crash found Preston and drove her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Carter said. Preston, who had recently finished her shift working at the nearby Calumet District, was still in uniform when she was shot.

Prosecutors said that the four offenders robbed four people before their encounter with Preston.

"She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who wanted to make a difference in this world," Carter said on Wednesday. "Those who knew her would tell you that's exactly what she did. She wanted to create a better future for Chicago but the incomprehensible actions of these four offenders took that future from her and the loss to the City of Chicago is tremendous."

Preston's mother told reporters after Wednesday's hearing that her family was scheduled to celebrate Preston receiving her Master's degree from Loyola University. The courtroom was filled with the officer's family members on Thursday as prosecutors laid out evidence connected with the weekend shooting.

Carter added: "While we know (the filing of charges) does not ease the pain, we hope knowing the people responsible for her murder have been caught brings a small measure of peace to (the family)."

Police officials said on Wednesday that the four teenagers circled the officer's home and then came back and shot her. Charging documents show that Preston parked across the street from her home and was walking across the street when three of the offenders got out of the stolen car.

After exchanging gunfire with Preston, two of the attackers went back to the car while a third went to take Preston's gun, court documents show. Police said a Shot Spotter alert went out at 1:42, but that officers did not respond until just after 2 a.m. because of a backlog of activity in the district.

Preston suffered gunshot wounds to the face and neck. Police said they found the stolen car burning not far from where Preston was shot after the attack.

After Wednesday's hearing, Preston's mother said she felt bad for the four offenders.

"Who I really feel sorry for is those boys," Dionne Mhoon told reporters. "Nobody told them they were loved. Nobody told them that you could do anything like I constantly preached to my daughter."