Man Receives 9-Year Sentence for Shooting During Robbery Attempt
A man named Omari Whitaker, aged 26, has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for allegedly shooting another man during a robbery attempt that took place in 2021. Shockingly, Whitaker was out on bail for a misdemeanor gun case and was also on probation for a felony gun case at the time of the incident.
The incident occurred in October 2021 when Whitaker, along with a 19-year-old friend and the friend’s girlfriend, were hanging out at the friend’s house on the 1300 block of South Lawndale. During their time together, Whitaker was seen playing with a handgun while the 19-year-old reached into a backpack, presumably to retrieve some cannabis.
However, instead of taking out weed, the 19-year-old pulled out $300 in cash and placed it on his leg. Upon noticing the money, Whitaker allegedly nudged the man’s leg, pointed the gun at him, and demanded the cash. A struggle ensued between the two men as they fought for control of the weapon.
During the altercation, Whitaker allegedly fired a shot that grazed the victim’s finger, causing his girlfriend to flee the scene in fear. Subsequently, another bullet struck the victim in the abdomen, leading him to plead with Whitaker to stop shooting. Despite the victim’s pleas, Whitaker gave him five seconds to run away, after which the victim locked himself inside a bedroom.
Reportedly, Whitaker forcibly entered the bedroom by kicking down the door and demanded the victim’s jacket. Following the incident, the victim was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery.
Police managed to locate Whitaker a few blocks away from the shooting site. They discovered the victim’s stolen jacket inside a barbecue grill near where Whitaker was hiding. Additionally, the victim’s backpack, containing a gun, was found a short distance away.
Recently, Whitaker pleaded guilty to aggravated battery by discharging a firearm in exchange for a 9-year sentence handed down by Judge Mary Brosnahan. Notably, the misdemeanor gun case that was pending against Whitaker at the time of the shooting remains unresolved.
