Murder, Racketeering Charges Brought Against Accused Gang Members

CHICAGO — Five accused members of the Goonie Boss street gang face racketeering and murder charges following a joint federal and state investigation into allegations of the group's violent dealings throughout Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Authorities claim the multi-year probe uncovered how the gang threatened rivals, intimidated witnesses and was responsible for 11 killings.

In a federal indictment handed down Thursday, Romeo Blackman, 22; Terrance Smith, 22; Jolicious Turman, 27; and Nathaniel McElroy, 21, were charged with racketeering conspiracy in connection with 10 murders, six attempted murders and two assaults. The four Chicagoans are in custody, but arraignments have not been scheduled.

A fifth alleged Goonie member — Christian Sivels, 19, of Chicago — is accused of an 11th killing. He was charged with first-degree murder in state court in the death of David Easley, 26, on May 21, 2016. Like the four federal defendants, Sivels also is in custody.

The federal indictment describes the violent dispute between the Goonie organization and other gangs on Chicago's South Side. Prosecutors accuse the defendants of using brutal tactics in these gang feuds and then bragging about them on social media.

According to the complaint, Blackman acted as the gang's leader and orchestrated its dealings. The indictment alleges the defendants were responsible for the following murders:

• Kenneth Whittaker, 34, killed by Turman on July 1, 2016, near a school in the 7400 block of South Morgan Street.
• Gerald Bumper, 19, killed by gang members June 30, 2016.
• Ramal Hicks, 34, killed by Turman on June 20, 2016, in the 1500 block of West 69th Street.
• Gerald Sia, 38, killed by Blackman and McElroy on May 26, 2016, in the 1100 block of West 63rd Street.
• Davon Horace, 19, killed by Blackman on Jan. 15, 2016, in the 7200 block of South May Street.
• Andre Donner, 26, killed by Blackman on Dec. 13, 2015, in the 7200 block of South May Street.
• Krystal Jackson, 25, killed by Blackman and Smith on Nov. 19, 2014, in the 6800 block of South Loomis Boulevard.
• Stanley Bobo, 18, killed by Blackman and Smith on Oct. 23, 2014, in the 1400 block of West 72nd Street.
• Alonzo Williams, 24, killed by Blackman on March 21, 2014, in the 1200 block of West 70th Street.
• Johnathon Johnson, 21, killed by Blackman on Jan. 22, 2014, in the 6900 block of South Racine Avenue.

While racketeering charges usually carry a maximum 20-year prison sentence, the federal defendants in the case could face a life term or the death penalty if convicted. Sivels could face a sentence of 45 years to life if he's convicted of first-degree murder in the state case.

Additional gun charges also were brought against Blackman, McElroy and other alleged gang members. Those counts stemmed from separate incidents.

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