The Evanston man charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in a botched robbery in Lindenhurst remains held in the Lake County Jail on a $5 million bond.
Michael J. Zachery, 23, of the 1600 block of Simpson Street in Evanston, was charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder and armed robbery after his accomplice, Joseph McHaney, 34, of Chicago, was killed by the victim they were trying to rob.
The Lindenhurst Police Department was called to a single-family home in the 300 block of Teal Road for a robbery around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. The 911 caller, who witnessed the incident from inside the home, told police that someone had been shot during a robbery.
Responding police officers found McHaney dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Zachery was arrested at the scene by police after being restrained by one of the residents of the home.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli said that Zachery and McHaney drove to the home in Lindenhurst to purchase two rifles from the homeowner.
In bond court, prosecutors said that shortly after the two arrived at the home, McHaney and the victim went to another room separate from Zachery.
Prosecutors said that McHaney allegedly struck the victim several times with a hammer. The victim shot and killed McHaney and Zachery, who tried fleeing the scene, was restrained before police arrived.
The victim was transported to an area hospital and has since been released.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy Tuesday afternoon on McHaney and confirmed he died from multiple gunshot wounds. Routine toxicology testing is pending.
Zachery remains held on a $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on November 13.