A Cook County Jury Finds Jimmy Chamberlain Guilty of Murder and Attempted Murder in Lyon’s Den Shooting
A Cook County jury delivered a guilty verdict on Friday for 33-year-old Jimmy Chamberlain, who was charged with murdering a bouncer and injuring another man during a shooting at the Lyon’s Den hookah lounge in Wicker Park on New Year’s Day 2023.
The swift resolution of this case stands out in a court system where murder cases often face prolonged delays before reaching a conclusion.
According to Chicago police, Chamberlain attempted to enter the lounge with a handgun around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2023. When denied entry, he engaged in a shootout with 38-year-old Austin McAllister, a father of six and military veteran who was working as a bouncer that night. Another 26-year-old man inside the lounge was also shot during the incident.
Tragically, McAllister succumbed to his injuries, while the younger man survived with a gunshot wound to his calf. The entire altercation was captured on video surveillance.
Chamberlain faced four counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder at trial. The jury swiftly returned guilty verdicts on all charges, as documented in court records.
Almost two months after the shooting, Chamberlain was identified as a suspect by police. He was apprehended during the summer of 2023. At the time of the incident, he was on parole for three years following a 21-year prison sentence for armed home invasion.
Judge Arthur Willis presided over the trial and scheduled a post-trial motions hearing for November 12.
Following the shooting, Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd) called for the closure of the lounge. However, then-CPD Superintendent David Brown did not take action. Instead, the lounge agreed to enhance security measures and restrict BYOB drinking.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling later made the decision to permanently shut down the business after three individuals were shot outside the club in July 2024. Charges have been filed in that case, which is currently progressing through the legal system.
For exclusive original reporting, funded by our readers, support our work by clicking here.
