Prosecutors allege that a man accused of robbing a teenager on a Green Line train left a remarkably clear trail for investigators. They claim he sold the stolen iPhone at a kiosk that took his photo and required him to scan his ID card, all while revealing a unique upside-down broken heart tattoo under his left eye.
This tattoo plays a crucial role in the case against 24-year-old Matthew Burton, who faces robbery charges related to the April 11 incident.
Prosecutors’ detention petition details that a 15-year-old boy was on a Green Line train near 47th Street when Burton allegedly targeted him. CTA surveillance footage reportedly captures Burton lunging at the boy and forcibly taking his iPhone before escaping.
Investigators traced the phone to a resale kiosk where Burton is accused of selling it. The kiosk reportedly photographed the individual completing the sale and required scanning of a state ID card. Authorities assert that both the photo and ID records identified Burton, along with the distinct tattoo.
Chicago police reviewed the CTA footage from the robbery and observed the same tattoo on the suspect’s face. A Chicago police officer later identified Burton from the images, prosecutors stated.
Burton was apprehended at the 26th Street courthouse following his appearance for a separate matter. Judge Ankur Srivastava ordered his detention until trial for the robbery charge.
During the hearing, Srivastava pointed out that Burton has two ongoing criminal cases outside of Cook County. Additionally, Burton has a prior robbery conviction as well as a federal firearms conviction, according to Srivastava.
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