Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Robbery After Gruesome Hammer Attack During Dating App Hookup
In a horrifying turn of events stemming from a gay dating app hookup, a young man from Whiting found himself in a fight for his life after a brutal hammer attack inside an abandoned home in West Pullman. The incident, which took place on March 23, 2024, has led to the arrest of Carl Sturdivant, a repeat offender facing charges of attempted murder and robbery.
According to prosecutors, the 24-year-old victim connected with Sturdivant, 44, through the gay dating platform Sniffies.com, arranging to meet at a Motel 6 in Hammond for a sexual encounter. Little did he know the danger that awaited him.
Upon arriving at the motel in his mother’s white Chevy, the victim entered a room where Sturdivant was accompanied by two unidentified men. The group engaged in drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, before engaging in sexual activities. When their drug supply ran out, the night took a dark turn.
Desperate to continue their drug-fueled escapade, Sturdivant and the victim drove to a drug house, and later to Sturdivant’s home for more drug use and consensual sex. However, when their supply dwindled once again, Sturdivant led the victim to an abandoned house on South Princeton, claiming they could find more drugs there.
Inside the abandoned house, Sturdivant and the victim ventured into the basement, where the situation quickly escalated. The victim recalls seeing Sturdivant turn towards him before blacking out. He later woke up in the kitchen, battered and bloodied, with his belongings and his mother’s car stolen.
Despite sustaining severe injuries including chipped teeth, multiple skull fractures, and brain hemorrhaging, the victim managed to attract the attention of a neighbor who called for help. He was rushed to Christ Advocate Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Chicago police later recovered the victim’s mother’s car near the abandoned house, along with a bloody hammer found in a nearby garbage can. DNA evidence linked Sturdivant to the crime scene, leading to his arrest and detention pending trial.
Despite Sturdivant’s denial of involvement, evidence including DNA testing, witness statements, and recovered belongings point to his guilt. His criminal history, including prior convictions for robbery, assault, and narcotics charges, further solidifies the case against him.
With Judge James Costello ordering Sturdivant to remain in custody for attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, justice may soon be served for the victim of this heinous attack.
As the case unfolds, the community remains vigilant against such acts of violence, seeking justice for the victim and accountability for the perpetrator.
