(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Chicago man has been convicted of murdering Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer in a downtown stairwell in 2018.
Shomari Legghette, 46, was found guilty Friday by a Cook County jury on all counts of murder and armed violence charges.
“We are so happy and relieved with the verdict, but are overwhelmed that he is no longer with us,” Bauer’s family said in a statement. “There is absolutely no doubt that justice for Paul was served today and we are thankful.”
Prosecutors said Legghette, a four-time convicted felon, struggled with Bauer in a stairwell outside the Thompson Center after fleeing from police who tried to question him on Lower Wacker Drive.
Bauer was shot six times. Fellow officers arrived at the scene and caught Legghette as he ran from the stairwell. Legghette was wearing body armor at the time of the shooting, and was allegedly carrying small amounts of heroin and cocaine.
In a statement, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said: “We welcome today’s guilty verdict and the justice it brings to the family of Commander Paul Bauer, the Chicago Police Department, and the citizens of Chicago. This senseless murder ended the life of an honorable man and highly regarded public servant. Commander Bauer’s dedication to serving and protecting the community was evident on February 13, 2018, as he performed his final duties as a Chicago Police Officer. This tragic case is a sober reminder of the dangers that police officers and first responders face in their daily work to keep us all safe.”