Woman Charged With Murder After Ramming Cop's Daughter Into Tree
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 24-year-old woman was charged with using an SUV to ram a Chicago Police officer's daughter into a tree and run over her multiple times Friday night in the Morgan Park neighborhood on the Far South Side.
Family and friends of Chynna Stapleton said little as they left court Monday. Inside the courtroom, however, the judge said Stapleton was a danger to herself and society, and denied bail for the mother of three young children.
Stapleton is accused of killing a romantic rival, 19-year-old Tatyanna Lewis, who was dating the father of one of Stapleton's children.
"The argument between the two over this man had been going on in person and over social media, including Facebook," said Jamie Santini, Assistant State's Attorney.
Friday night, Chicago police say the feud escalated into a face-to-face argument in the 11400 block of South May. Shortly before the incident, the victim posted a status on Facebook saying, in part, "She pulling up I'm on the block."
The argument turned into a physical fight, and when it ended, witnesses say Stapleton got into her Jeep with a 13-year-old child in the back seat.
"As Chynna Stapleton was getting ready to pull off, Tatyanna Lewis kicked the passenger's side door of her car with her foot. Several witnesses then heard Cynna Stapleton yell, 'I got something for you,'" Santini said.
That's when witnesses say Stapleton drove onto the sidewalk and barreled down on Lewis, who tried to run but tripped and fell. "Chynna Stapleton hit Tatyanna Lewis with her car, driving her body into a tree," Santini says.
According to witnesses, Stapleton then reversed and ran over Lewis repeatedly before speeding off. Lewis was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
"What we have seen over the last few years is an explosion of violence because of social media, so I think the people that have those platforms need to do a better job of policing it so we don't have these situations," said Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson.
Stapleton's father did not want to talk to CBS 2 on camera, but off camera, he said his daughter is not a monster.
Stapleton, who is charged with first-degree murder, is due back in court on June 2.
