June 21--An Englewood man charged in connection with a 2012 murder on the Far South Side was arrested downstate Friday, according to prosecutors Saturday.
Michael Gardner, 24, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the slaying of Timothy Scott, 22, on March 24, 2012, outside a liquor store at 13355 S. Indiana Ave.
Gardner accused Scott of pulling a gun on him previously and then pulled the trigger, according to Assistant State's Attorney Sarah Karr.
The gun didn't fire on the first attempt, Karr said, but Gardner tried again, hitting Scott once in the chest. Scott then pulled out his own gun, but Gardner fled the scene.
Scott, of the 13300 block of South Calumet Avenue in the Eden Green neighborhood, ran into the back of the store, where he collapsed and was later pronounced dead, Karr said.
Witnesses at the store saw Gardner, including one who knew him, Karr said. That witness identified Gardner to police in a photo array June 9. Gardner was arrested Friday in the town of Vienna, in the southernmost part of the state.
On April 11, Gardner admitted to killing Scott in recorded conversation with a third party, Karr said. He also admitted to threatening witnesses who he considered to be "too afraid to say anything."
Gardner was released on mandatory supervision in April 2014 after serving time on a 2012 felony conviction for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Gardner, who lives on the 6800 block of South May Street, was ordered held without bail. He'll be back in court Monday.
gtrotter@tribpub.com
