Press Conference: Family of Abnerd Joseph shares their pain and impatience, calling for criminal charges in his death

Learn more: https://www.rblaw.net/pressrelease-abnerd-joseph-pain-impatience-criminal-charges-shooting-death

Pain and impatience are a brutal combination. Pain from the deep grief of losing a vibrant young man with a bright future and a big heart. Impatience waiting for the person who needlessly took his life to be held accountable. It’s been almost one year since Abnerd Joseph, a beloved assistant principal at Chicago’s Intrinsic School, was shot and killed in the hallway of his building in Chicago’s Loop. Police reports state Joseph was wearing only a bathrobe, boxers, and socks and was in emotional distress when a fellow resident shot him. His family, friends, students and colleagues remain in a state of deep grief – as well as frustration – that the path to criminal justice has taken more than eleven months.

Abnerd’s family is emphatically urging the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to complete their investigation and file criminal charges in this matter. A police report says the gunman originally stated he fired shots in self-defense, even though Abnerd Joseph was unarmed, and witnesses explain that the gunman proactively sought out a confrontation with Abnerd on the 48th floor, while both men lived on the 29th floor.

Romanucci & Blandin filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of Abnerd’s family in May 2024. That complaint provided details on the tragedy. Building staff at The Legacy at Millennium Park building at 60 E. Monroe Street in Chicago freely allowed an armed resident to patrol the hallways of the luxury condo building and act as a vigilante on the night of September 14, 2023, when that resident sought out Abnerd Joseph instead of waiting for law enforcement to arrive and utilize their training in de-escalation and crisis intervention. The vigilante resident shot at Abnerd seven times, striking him six times and killing him. Abnerd’s death at 32 years old was truly senseless and preventable, and the building staff responsible for responding to resident emergencies failed in their duty to protect residents and involve authorities when needed. Their negligent decisions violated policies and common sense and prevented Abnerd from getting the appropriate help and care he deserved.