Chicago judge releases cop killer because he 'may be on the path to making better decisions'

A Cook County judge released a repeat violent offender on electronic monitoring last December despite prosecutors' warning that he was facing multiple pending felony cases and a history of armed robberies, court transcripts show. The same defendant is now accused of escaping that monitoring and shooting two Chicago police officers, killing one.

Prosecutors argue that the defendant, Alphonso Talley, posed a serious risk based on his record and ongoing cases. Assistant State’s Attorney Loukas Kalliantasis told the court that Talley’s prior conduct included armed robberies, carjacking, and a conviction for unlawful firearm possession, reports CWB Chicago.

Talley was already facing four pending felony cases when he appeared before Judge John Lyke on December 11. Prosecutors said those cases included a stolen vehicle and fleeing charge, an alleged battery of a Cook County jail officer, and two separate armed incidents that occurred while Talley was already on electronic monitoring.

One of those alleged incidents involved a carjacking near the Calumet Green Line station, where prosecutors said Talley and another man approached a woman in a Jeep while armed, forced her out, and stole the vehicle. Surveillance footage reportedly captured clothing matching the suspects, according to prosecutors.

Roughly 25 minutes later, prosecutors said the stolen Jeep was used in another armed robbery in Englewood. Around the same time, police tracked the vehicle using an Apple AirTag, leading to Talley’s arrest and recovery of stolen property.

During the hearing, Kalliantasis said Talley had previously been considered a candidate for a “minimum $1 million bail” under earlier cash bail standards. But Judge Lyke noted changes under Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act. “Our esteemed Legislature says, no, we’re not going to do that anymore,” Lyke said. “We’re going to make judges take a critical look at it.”

Lyke ultimately ordered Talley released on electronic monitoring, noting the decision was made “over the state’s rigorous objection.”

The judge cited Talley’s behavior in custody, stating, “This court has had an opportunity to watch him. I have seen attitude adjustments,” and said he believed the defendant had matured since earlier appearances.

Talley’s public defender, Lauren Widdowson, said he had completed multiple programs while detained, including anger management and substance-related courses. She also said he had become a father while in custody.

Prosecutors argued electronic monitoring was insufficient to ensure compliance, referencing prior cases where individuals allegedly violated monitoring conditions and committed violent crimes.

At the time of Talley’s release, county officials were already facing scrutiny over electronic monitoring failures in other cases.
 

“It appears his mind is finally developing and he may be on the path to making better decisions,” Lyke said.

Lyke concluded there was not enough evidence to deny release, saying, “This court cannot find that the state has met its burden by clear and convincing evidence that there is no condition or combination of conditions that this court can impose to protect any person or persons in the community when weighing everything with a fresh set of eyes and understanding,” before ordering Talley released on electronic monitoring.