The recent arrest of a 16-year-old boy, John Stamps, has shed light on the dangers of individuals being on pretrial release for pending charges. Stamps, who was on pretrial release for charges in juvenile court, is accused of a series of violent crimes, including attempted murder, armed robbery, and theft.
The most serious allegation against Stamps is the shooting of an 18-year-old man in the chest and back on the West Side of Chicago. The victim, who underwent multiple surgeries at Mt. Sinai Hospital, was found collapsed in a hallway unable to speak. Witnesses and surveillance footage placed Stamps at the scene of the crime, leading to his identification and subsequent arrest.
In addition to the shooting, Stamps is also accused of orchestrating two robbery schemes through Facebook Marketplace and a resale app. In one incident, a man was lured to a location to purchase a phone, only to be assaulted and robbed by Stamps and his accomplices. Detectives were able to trace the account used in the setup back to Stamps, further linking him to the crime.
Furthermore, Stamps is charged with stealing money from another victim during a Facebook Marketplace meeting earlier in the year. In this incident, Stamps allegedly reached into the victim’s car and grabbed the money before fleeing the scene. Investigators were able to identify Stamps through a photo lineup, connecting him to yet another crime.
As a result of these allegations, Stamps is facing charges as an adult for attempted murder and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, as well as charges as a juvenile for armed robbery and felony theft from a person. Judge Rivanda Doss Beal has ordered him detained pending further legal proceedings.
This case highlights the need for stricter monitoring of individuals on pretrial release, as the risks of reoffending are apparent. The “not horrible” series, which documents cases of individuals committing violent crimes while on pretrial release, serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the criminal justice system.
