Markham Police Officer Fired for Allowing Convicted Murderer to Possess Firearm
Markham Police Chief Jack Genius made the decision to terminate Probationary Police Officer Kayla M. Heller on December 8, after she found a gun in the center console of a convicted murderer’s car and was ordered to let the man go. This incident involving Tyrone Muhammad, a convicted killer and U.S. Senate candidate who works as a violence interrupter, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the handling of the situation by the Markham Police Department.
Heller, who was initially certified as a law enforcement officer in December 2024, was set to complete her probationary period with Markham PD. However, state records show that she was separated from the department on December 8, the same day CWBChicago contacted Chief Genius about the incident involving Muhammad. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office had been pressuring the police department to provide video footage related to the traffic stop, detention, and release of Muhammad after Markham initially refused to release any information about the incident.
During the traffic stop, Heller discovered a loaded firearm in Muhammad’s Chrysler 300, despite his status as a convicted felon which prohibits him from possessing firearms. Heller’s body-camera footage captured the moment she found the gun and her subsequent phone call with a supervisor instructing her not to charge Muhammad with unlawful possession of a firearm. The gun was later returned to its owner, a woman, despite the legal implications of Muhammad’s possession of the weapon.
Despite performing well in her role as a police officer, Heller was terminated as per an agreement between the city of Markham and the Illinois Council of Police, which allows for the termination of probationary officers without cause. This decision has raised concerns about the handling of the situation and the lack of accountability within the police department.
CWBChicago has filed an open records request for Heller’s personnel file, and will seek the support of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office if the request is wrongfully denied. Chief Genius and Markham city representatives have not responded to inquiries about the incident, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability within the department.
This incident highlights the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and ensuring that proper procedures are followed in all situations. The termination of Officer Heller raises questions about the culture within the Markham Police Department and the need for greater oversight and transparency in law enforcement agencies.
