The Chicago man accused of killing police Ella French over the weekend was given parole in 2019 after pleading guilty to robbing a man that year, according to local reports.
Monty Morgan, formally known as “Emonte,” is charged with the first degree murder of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder of two other officers, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a criminal, and obstruction of Justice.
Emonte Morgan, center, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in Saturday’s fatal shooting of Chicago police officer Ella French, 29, as well as attempted murder and other charges. His brother, Eric Morgan, was also charged
On August 8, 2019, Morgan met a 36-year-old man in Chicago to buy his $ 900 iPhone, CWB Chicago reported. At the meeting, the man alleged that Morgan picked up the phone and ran away without paying.
A physical altercation occurred in a parking lot. The man repeatedly struck Morgan, who defended himself, police said. A bystander stepped in and helped detain Morgan until police arrived, according to the report.
Morgan, 21, was charged with theft and assault for misdemeanors. He pleaded guilty to a robbery charge last November in exchange for two years of probation, according to court records cited by CWB Chicago.
FREEDOM 2 NEW YORK CITY MEN AFTER 30 YEARS IN PRISON WHEN STATE JUDGES OVERRIDE MURDER CONVICTIONS
That probation was still in effect at the time of Saturday’s shooting. Records show that prosecutors filed a motion for parole violation in May.
Morgan’s brother, Eric Morgan, also had a criminal record. In June 2018, he and another person were charged with stealing $ 180 from four people in Madison, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. He later pleaded guilty to a felony robbery.
The Morgan brothers were pulled over in a pickup truck Saturday night due to a expired plate. They initially followed the officers’ instructions, handing over the vehicle keys and getting out of the truck.
But the situation escalated after Monty Morgan refused to put down a drink and the cell phone in his hand, Cook County Assistant State Attorney James Murphy said Tuesday at a bond hearing for Monty Morgan.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Murphy said Monty Morgan gave a video statement in which he admitted to drinking, having a gun and shooting two officers. The initial court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 16.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
–
