A 32-year-old Chicago man has been found guilty in a 2022 shooting in Aurora that paralyzed his victim.
On Thursday, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced that a jury has found Byron Frazier guilty of Attempt first-degree murder, a Class X felony; Aggravated battery with a firearm, a Class X felony; Armed violence, a Class X felony; and Armed habitual criminal, a Class X felony.
According to evidence provided at trial, on the afternoon of August 18, 2022, at approximately 4:20pm, Jonathan Chatman pulled over at a Mobil gas station at 1030 North Lake Street in Aurora where he had noticed his ex-girlfriend’s parked vehicle. After Chatman approached the vehicle, the ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend, defendant Byron Frazier, returned from inside the gas station and came to stand next to Chatman. Frazier said something to Chatman, reached into the vehicle to retrieve a handgun, and then shot him.
Frazier and his girlfriend left the scene, but were followed to her residence by an Illinois State Police officer. Frazier attempted to escape on foot, but was pursued and taken into custody. During the pursuit, Frazier dropped a bag that was retrieved by Aurora Police investigators, the contents of which later tested positive as cocaine.
Chatman was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for the gunshot wound and is now confined to a wheelchair, although he is hopeful about someday recovering his ability to walk.
Judge John A. Barsanti set Frazier’s next court appearance for October 16 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center for motions and sentencing. Frazier faces a sentence of between 57 years to life imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Because it was proved that the attempt first-degree murder offense was committed with a firearm and caused great bodily harm to the victim, Illinois law requires that an additional 25 years to life be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
Frazier remains in custody at the Kane County jail.
“My thanks to the Aurora Police Department and Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Kozel for their quick and professional response which prevented this dangerous situation from escalating further,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Mark Stajdohar. “Our law enforcement officers’ swift actions not only prevented further harm but also demonstrated their unwavering commitment to keeping our streets safe from those who act irrationally and violently.
“The conviction and the likely future sentence are well-deserved given the serious nature of the crime committed. Mr. Chatman, despite facing severe challenges, remains hopeful and determined in his recovery journey. We all stand with him as he strives toward regaining his ability to walk.”
