Accused Teen Killer Turns 18, Moved to Adult Jail

JOLIET — Alleged teen killer Christopher Stamps celebrated his birthday Monday — and was moved to the adult jail on South Chicago Street.

Stamps had been held at River Valley Juvenile Detention Center since October 2014, when he was charged with gunning down 16-year-old La’Tray Wright. Stamps was also 16.

Hard feelings reportedly developed between Stamps and Wright over unkind Facebook posts, and that led to the killing.

Stamps’ home on California Avenue was shot up the day after Wright was slain. Police believe the attack was done in retribution for the fatal Lockport Township drive-by.

Then, during Wright’s wake, two black-clad gunmen opened fire at mourners but succeeded only in hitting a car, a house and Minor-Morris Funeral Home.

The volatile situation flared up again in January 2015 when 23-year-old Michael Travis, who had attended a hearing for Stamps, was ambushed and brutally beaten on his way out of the courthouse. Three ex-convicts on parole — Christian Blackwell, 24, Martell Jones, 27, and Makhi Jones, 22 — all were arrested and charged with the attack.

Blackwell and Makhi Jones eventually pleaded guilty. Blackwell was sentenced to four years and Makhi Jones to five. Martell Jones was convicted and sentenced to three years.

Stamps is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.