Police Hope Video Helps Catch Killer In 2015 Morgan Park Murder
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Nearly four months after a man was found dead when a Morgan Park house exploded, police have released new images that might help break the case.
CBS 2's Sandra Torres spoke to the brother of the victim, who saw the images for the first time Sunday night.
Police released photos and video of a person of interest wanted in connection with the Sept. 14, 2015, murder of 48-year-old Tim Lawrence. It's the first time his family heard of a possible breakthrough in the case in more than 3 ½ months.
"It don't make sense," said Joe Louis Lawrence, who has many unanswered questions about his brother's murder. "We don't understand why this had to happen to Tim."
On Sept. 13, 2015, firefighters found Tim Lawrence's body in a home that exploded near 108th and Morgan streets. An autopsy found he died of a gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide.
"Anytime you lose someone in this type of capacity, that's painful," his brother said.
When he learned police had released surveillance video hoping to identify a person of interest in the case, Joe Louis Lawrence was surprised.
"This is the first time I'm hearing anything about a video," he said.
The video shows a man approaching Tim Lawrence's front porch before the explosion. The man is wearing a safety vest and a hard hat that says "meter inspector."
"That's weird. A meter inspector?" his brother said. "I'm not a detective, or no one of forensic, but something about that seems staged."
Joe Louis Lawrence said he didn't recognize the person in the video, but hoped someone in the public does.
"With this being shown, in my heart of hearts I feel someone is going to say something," he said. "It will mean a lot to have closure in this here. We would like to know why."
Anyone who recognizes the man in the video, or who has other information on the case, should call Chicago police.
