Short Audio Reflection on Officers Shot in Hospital

Photo of suspect Alphanso Talley, 26, arrested in connection for the attempted murder and murder of two Chicago Police. Photo from the CPD.

How does shooting two officers to escape custody make sense? How does it make sense to turn an armed robbery into a First-Degree Murder charge of a police officer? These are some of the questions that pop up in my reflection on one of the most disturbing stories I’ve covered. For background, below the audio is the context of the horrific events police say occurred between 8 am and 10:50 am on the date in question.

The Context

Alphanso Talley, 26, is being accused of murdering a police officer in a Chicago hospital on Saturday, April 26, the date previously mentioned. He’s also being charged with the attempted murder of a surviving officer. His court date is tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. Police have confirmed the names of officers involved are 10-year veteran Officer John Bartholomew, 38, who was killed, and his partner Officer Nelson Cresbow, 57, who survived. The latter officer is a 21-year veteran of the force.

The shooting came after Talley was arrested earlier the same day for the armed robbery of a Family Dollar and pistol whipping a cashier. Another man, his 18-year-old co-defendant Jiren Tate, was also arrested for the Family Dollar crimes, but he wasn’t charged in connection with the shootings. It’s a lot to take in.

Grab your headphones, and evaluate the perplexing elements of this story with me. This is a reflection on writing True Crime close to home.

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