A Chicago man is facing an attempted murder charge after prosecutors say he shot a woman he believed had information about the death of his sister, Zenobia “Zee” Weatherspoon, whose remains were discovered inside a garbage can on the city’s South Side earlier this month.
According to court documents and reporting from FOX 32 Chicago, Javan Weatherspoon allegedly confronted a 45 year old woman around 2:15 p.m. Sunday in the 5400 block of South Halsted Street in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Prosecutors allege the woman was among the people who discovered Zenobia Weatherspoon’s body in a garbage can earlier this month.
Investigators say surveillance video captured the confrontation in a liquor store parking lot near 54th Street and Halsted. According to prosecutors, Weatherspoon approached the woman and yelled words to the effect of, “What do you know about my sister?”
The confrontation reportedly escalated into an argument. Prosecutors allege Weatherspoon then struck the woman in the head with a firearm, leaving her with a gash and knocking her to the ground.
According to court documents, Weatherspoon then allegedly stood over the woman and shot her in the left hip. Prosecutors say he briefly left the scene before returning and firing another shot that missed the woman.
The victim was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she was treated for the gunshot wound and evaluated for a possible stroke after being struck in the head.
Weatherspoon was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempted murder. A judge ordered him held in custody following a detention hearing Thursday.
The shooting comes as Zenobia Weatherspoon’s family continues to seek answers surrounding her death.
Zenobia, who was known to loved ones as “Zee,” was found inside a garbage can in an alley near 54th Street and Union Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on July 11. The location was reportedly about two blocks from her home.
Family members described Zenobia as a caring woman who was studying to become a nurse. Relatives said she had not been seen for approximately two weeks before her remains were discovered.
In the aftermath of her death, family members have publicly called for answers and urged authorities to continue investigating what happened to her.
Her loved ones have also asked the public not to share disturbing images of her remains that have circulated on social media.
At this time, Zenobia Weatherspoon’s death remains classified as a death investigation rather than a homicide investigation. Chicago police have not announced any arrests or charges related to her death.
The latest shooting has now added another layer to a case that has already left a family searching for answers. While prosecutors allege Javan Weatherspoon believed the woman he confronted knew something about his sister’s death, the full circumstances surrounding Zenobia’s death remain under investigation.
As the legal case against Weatherspoon moves forward, questions remain about what happened to Zenobia, who may have information about her final days, and whether her family will ultimately receive the answers and justice they are seeking.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
