Detectives have arrested and charged a Waukegan man with first-degree murder after he allegedly fatally shot a 24-year-old who was sitting in a car in Beach Park.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:10 p.m. on February 9 to the 39300 block of Melbourne Court in Beach Park for a report of shots fired.
A 911 caller reported they heard several shots fired in the area, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
The caller also reported seeing two African American men, ages 20-25, running from the scene.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and located several spent shell casings on the roadway along with shattered glass from a car, Covelli said.
Deputies learned a vehicle was driven to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan with a gunshot victim that was dropped off at the emergency room.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victim as Tavontee Fox, 24, of Waukegan.
Fox was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. An autopsy showed he suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Covelli said Fox was a passenger in the car, which was parked on Melbourne Court, when the shooting occurred.
Detectives seized the car and were processing it for evidence.
A home was also struck by gunfire in addition to the car, Covelli said. Nobody inside the home was injured.
Covelli said in an update Wednesday that the investigation showed that Fox and Cyncere L. Tillman, 24, of Waukegan, arranged to meet.
The meeting took place near Tillman’s friend’s house on Melbourne Court.
Covelli said an argument ensued during the interaction and Tillman produced a firearm, firing multiple rounds at Fox and the driver of the car.
Tillman was identified as the suspect through evidence and thorough investigative work, Covelli said, adding that Fox and Tillman were “associates.”
Sheriff’s detectives arrested Tillman without incident on Tuesday in the 300 block of Washington Street in Waukegan.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved two counts of first-degree murder against Tillman.
Tillman remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing on Wednesday.
Sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the case even though Tillman has been charged, Covelli said, adding that he cannot release further details on the investigation.
“Our detectives have been investigating this homicide nonstop since it occurred. Because of their dedication and tenacious investigative work, the man responsible for this crime is in custody and charged with murder,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“We are also thankful for the ongoing collaboration with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office,” Idleburg added.