Bail Denied for Accused Murderer

 Posted on May 19, 2012 in Criminal Defense

A Chicago man who was charged with first-degree murder in March has been denied bail at a recent bond hearing. Jesse Pinkerton, 28, was accused of shooting and killing Michael Gillespie, 24, on March 20. The shooting took place at Gillespie’s home.

According to a recent report in the Chicago Tribune, prosecutors claim that Pinkerton had called Gillespie before the shooting and the two argued about drug prices and about Gillespie sleeping with Pinkerton’s girlfriend. Later the same day, Pinkerton showed up at Gillespie’s residence, located in the 1500 block of West 91st Street, and the two got into an argument. Pinkerton left, reportedly telling Gillespie “I’ll be back.”

Multiple witness statements say that Pinkerton returned, pulled a gun from his waist and fired at Gillespie. When the victim fell to the ground, Pinkerton stood over him and fired again before he fled the scene. Gillespie was pronounced dead a short time later from

multiple gun shot wounds. Police also reported that Pinkerton dropped his cell phone at the scene.

Pinkerton’s attorney, in arguing for bail for his client, told the court that Pinkerton has custody of his five year old twins and has worked for UPS for ten years, where he is currently a hazardous materials supervisor. An experienced felony defense lawyer will know how to best advise an accused person, especially with a charge as serious as Pinkerton's.

Police say that Pinkerton is affiliated with a local gang, however it is not yet clear whether the shooting was related to gang activities. The Tribune also reported that court records show that he pled guilty in 2002 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Additional charges were dropped; he was sentenced to two years probation.