Watch CBS News

Ex-Cop, Son Convicted Of Killing Elder Man's Girlfriend

MAYWOOD, Ill. (STMW) -- A father and son who plotted the killing of the elder man's girlfriend in 2011 have been found guilty of her murder.

Devin Bickham Sr., 42; and Devin Bickham Jr., 23, were convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Chervon Alexander, 29, of Chicago, who was fatally shot while sitting in a car in River Forest on July 11, 2011, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's office.

Both men are scheduled to be sentenced June 18.

A third man charged in the murder, Cardell Taylor, 38, is currently awaiting trial, according to a statement from the state's attorney's office.

The elder Bickham, a former North Chicago police officer, was involved in a romantic relationship with Alexander, who began pressuring him to leave his estranged wife and marry her, prosecutors said. To avoid being found out, he devised a plan to have his son and Taylor carry out the murder.

On the night of July 11, 2011, Bickham Sr. drove Alexander to Dominican Priory Park in River Forest and parked the vehicle, prosecutors said. About 10:20 p.m., Taylor arrived and fired several shots into the passenger side of the car, striking Alexander in the head, chest and shoulder.

Taylor drove off after the shooting in a silver Chevrolet Impala with Bickham Jr. as the getaway driver, prosecutors said.

Police said the elder Bickham was the first person to call 911, reportedly to cover his involvement.

Both Taylor and Bickham Jr. were arrested by Forest Park police within a mile of the crime scene. Prosecutors said at the time that after they were stopped, Taylor said, "I want the rest of my money now."

A .38 caliber handgun was found in the Impala and several witnesses identified the car as being at the crime scene, prosecutors said.

The North Chicago Police Department said the older Bickham worked for the department more than a decade ago and only for a short time.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.