Two Men Convicted in 2019 Shooting Death of River North Nightclub Bouncer
After more than six years since the fatal shooting, two men involved in the 2019 incident at a River North nightclub have received differing jury verdicts this week.
The altercation began in late February 2019 when Michael Matthews reportedly became upset over a pat-down by the doorman at Sound-Bar, located at 226 West Ontario Street. Approximately a week later, Matthews returned to the club with Armond Williams, a licensed concealed-carry holder. They confronted the 28-year-old doorman, Thurman Bailey, and other staff members at the entrance, leading to a heated argument.
During the altercation, Williams allegedly punched Bailey, prompting Bailey to draw his gun in self-defense. Williams then reportedly retrieved his own weapon and fired four shots before passing the gun to Jon Poole. Prosecutors claimed that Poole fired an additional nine rounds, resulting in Bailey’s death and the injury of club owner Mark Jurczyk. Despite being wounded, Bailey managed to return fire, but none of his shots hit anyone.
Williams, now 43, pleaded guilty to murder in October 2019 and received a 20-year prison sentence. Matthews, 47, who was not directly involved in firing a weapon, was charged under Illinois’ felony murder law due to his participation in the forcible mob action that led to Bailey’s death.
This week, both Matthews and Poole, 41, faced a jury trial. While Matthews was acquitted of murder but found guilty of felony mob action, Poole was convicted on all charges, including six counts of murder and one count of mob action. Both individuals are currently in custody awaiting sentencing as Judge Peggy Chiampas reviews post-trial motions.
Following the incident, then-CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson ordered the closure of Sound-Bar under the city’s summary closure ordinance. However, the nightclub eventually reopened after implementing a nuisance abatement plan.
