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Man arrested in connection with fatal Macomb shooting investigation pleads not guilty

Rich Egger
/
TSPR

One of the people charged in connection with last month’s fatal shooting at a Macomb house party was back in court Wednesday.

Donnell Williams, 23, of Macomb pleaded not guilty.

He was arrested the day after the shooting and charged with armed violence. He remains in custody on $500,000 bond.

During Wednesday’s hearing before Ninth District Circuit Judge Nigel Graham, Macomb Police Lieutenant Todd Tedrow said Williams had a large quantity of marijuana and a pistol in his backpack when he was arrested. The weapon was a ghost gun – it had no model or serial number.

Under cross examination from attorney William Wolf of Chicago, Tedrow acknowledged the gun was fully loaded – there were no bullets missing from its magazine. He did not know whether it had been fired.

Tedrow also said he participated in the second police interview of Williams, but could not recall what was said without reviewing a recording of it.

The shooting happened during the early morning hours of March 25 in the 500 block of North Johnson Street.

Jerman Beathea, 26, of Chicago was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ten others were wounded. Some suffered several gunshot wounds.

Authorities have said they believe those wounded will recover from their injuries.

One other person was arrested in the case.

Bond is $750,000 for Demond Wilson Junior, 25, of Calumet Park, who is charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm.

Tri States Public Radio produced this story.  TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.