Chicago, Illinois – Emonte Morgan was convicted of the murder of Chicago Police Officer Ella French and the attempted murder of two other officers in a verdict delivered by a jury composed of seven men and five women. The decision came after 3.5 hours of deliberation on Tuesday evening.
French’s mother, Elizabeth, was present along with her daughter’s colleagues as the guilty verdict was announced. Emonte Morgan, 23, showed no emotions as he was found guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder for French’s death, and two counts of attempted first-degree murder for injuring CPD Officer Carlos Yañez and shooting at another officer, Joshua Blas.
State’s Attorney Kim Foxx expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision, acknowledging the tragedy of a Chicago police officer losing her life in the line of duty to senseless violence. The prosecution team was commended for their dedication to seeking justice in this case.
Despite the victory of the guilty verdict, Foxx emphasized the profound loss of Officer French and the impact on her family. The trial did not address whether Morgan’s brother, Eric, should also face first-degree murder charges, as Eric was present during the fatal traffic stop but was not the one who fired the shots.
The incident in Englewood unfolded during a traffic stop where a struggle ensued between the police and Morgan, who was armed. Body camera footage provided crucial evidence, showing Morgan with a gun in his hand near the wounded officers. Emotional testimonies from witnesses, including French’s mother and Yañez, highlighted the devastating consequences of the shooting.
As the trial concluded, Morgan faces a potential life sentence and is scheduled to appear in court again for post-trial motions in April. Legal experts anticipate motions for a new trial or challenging the verdict, with sentencing following if these motions are unsuccessful.
The prosecution painted Morgan as the gunman who deliberately fired shots, contrasting with the defense’s argument that the incident was a result of a struggle where the gun accidentally discharged. The trial showcased conflicting narratives, leaving the jury to weigh the evidence presented before reaching a decision.
Closing arguments were delivered, addressing the events leading to French’s tragic death and the injuries sustained by the other officers. The emotional toll of the trial was evident, as witnesses recounted the harrowing moments of the shooting and its aftermath. The court proceedings drew attention to the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers serving their communities.
As the legal process unfolds, the impact of Officer French’s death reverberates within the law enforcement community and beyond. The outcome of the trial serves as a reminder of the dangers officers face daily and the pursuit of justice in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.