Slain Chicago Cop: Accused Killer Indicted On 56 Counts

CHICAGO, IL — The convicted felon accused of fatally shooting Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer following a foot chase last month near the Thompson Center was indicted on 56 felony counts of by a grand jury Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune. The charges against Shomari Legghette, 44, include 24 counts of first-degree murder and six counts of armed violence, as well as other weapons and drug counts, the report added.

Bauer, 53, was shot multiple times Feb. 13, while trying to help police tactical officers apprehend Legghette, who they wanted to question while seeing him act suspiciously during a narcotics sweep near the Thompson Center, according to police. Officers recovered a 9mm semiautomatic weapon with a 30-round extended clip, as well as cocaine, heroin and marijuana, from Legghette, police said.

Prosecutors said they plan on seeking a life sentence against Legghette, who was wearing body armor at the time of the shooting, the Tribune reports. He will appear in court again Monday, March 12, to find out who the judge will be overseeing the case, the report added.

Bauer had been on duty at the center for a training session and was in full uniform when he joined the foot pursuit after hearing a radio alert about the incident. The commander spotted Legghette near the Thompson Center and caught up with him at a stairwell outside the building, according to the bond proffer.

More Patch Coverage

The Shooting

• Chicago Police Commander Gunned Down At Thompson Center (VIDEO)
• 4-Time Felon Charged With Murder (VIDEO)
• No Bail For Career Criminal Accused In Bauer's Fatal Shooting

Bauer's Career

• Cmdr. Paul Bauer: Learn How Slain Cop Spent 31-Year CPD Career
• Fallen Commander Worked In District 22 In Mid-1990s

The Funeral

• Bauer's Wake Draws Thousands Of Mourners (VIDEO)
• Thousands Line Streets To Give Bauer Incredible Sendoff (VIDEO)

The Aftermath

• Blue Ribbons And Flags Honor Bauer
• 'Chicago PD' Filming Near Slain Cop's Murder Scene Angers Some
• Cook County Jail Inmates Clap For Accused Killer (VIDEO)
• Slain Cop's Widow Thanks Chicago For Restoring Faith In Humanity
• Support Continues For Bauer's Family, CPD (VIDEO)

Legghette fell down the stairs, and Bauer either followed or fell himself, the proffer stated. At the bottom, the two men struggled, Legghette is accused of firing seven shots, hitting Bauer six separate times in the head, neck, chest, back and wrist.

Bauer did not fire any shots and was unable to unholster his gun, according to police. No other officers fired their weapons during the incident, police said.

An autopsy determined that Bauer died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. His death has been ruled a homicide.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Shomari Legghette, 44 (Photo via Cook County Sheriff's Office)