Murder Case Eyed in Chicago Beatings

Authorities were pursuing murder charges Friday against seven gang members in the beating deaths of two men who were dragged from a van after the vehicle jumped a curb and plowed into three people.

Chief of Detectives Phil Cline said the suspects, ages 16 to 57, were identified by witnesses who came forward after community leaders went door-to-door urging cooperation with investigators. The suspects were in custody Friday night.

Police said they were seeking first-degree murder charges and had turned the case over to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. A spokesman for the office said the case was under review.

Authorities said two of the suspects were relatives of one of the women struck by the van. Names of the suspects, all of whom have criminal backgrounds, won’t be released until charges are filed, police said.

“We’re very satisfied that we have a strong case here,” Cline said. He added that fingerprints from two suspects were found on the van.

Police Supt. Terry Hillard praised residents who agreed to help in the investigation. “Numerous and courageous individuals from that neighborhood have shown they have the strength and character to do what’s right.”

At least 100 people watched as Anthony Stuckey, 49, and Jack Moore, 62, were kicked and beaten with bricks and stones by an angry mob Tuesday night, witnesses said.

Moore, the van’s driver, was legally drunk when the accident occurred, police said. Both men lived in the close-knit neighborhood on the city’s south side.

Community activists organized the door-to-door canvass Thursday for witnesses. They also put fliers on cars that declared: “We need your help!! We need witnesses to contact police (confidentially) to help catch the murderers of Anthony Stuckey and Jack Moore.”

Two of the three people struck by the van remained hospitalized Friday, one in critical condition.