An Illinois father and his 17-year-old son are facing murder charges after allegedly beating a family friend to death with a baseball bat and flashlight in a horrifying attack that prosecutors say stemmed from the victim trying to protect his daughter.
According to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred earlier this month in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood. The suspects—Thomas Johnson, 45, and his teenage son—are accused of brutally assaulting Steven Collins, 41, during a confrontation that turned deadly.
Prosecutors revealed in court that Collins had attempted to shield his daughter from the father and son, who were allegedly acting aggressively toward her. His protective act led to a violent escalation.
Prosecutors Detail Brutal Assault Using Baseball Bat and Flashlight
The horrifying sequence began when Collins reportedly tried to intervene in a dispute involving his teenage daughter and the Johnsons. Witnesses claim the girl had asked for help, prompting Collins to step in and confront the pair.
What happened next, prosecutors say, was a coordinated attack. The teenage suspect allegedly struck Collins multiple times with a metal baseball bat, while his father followed up with blows from a heavy flashlight. Collins reportedly suffered extensive head and body trauma before being left unconscious.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after neighbors called 911, but Collins was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed his death was caused by blunt force trauma, and both father and son were taken into custody the next day.
Victim Remembered as a Protective Father and Community Member
Steven Collins is being remembered by friends and family as a “gentle soul and devoted father” who always looked out for others. A neighbor who witnessed part of the attack told reporters that “Steven was only trying to protect his daughter from harm. He didn’t deserve what happened to him.”
Collins, who had worked as a handyman and volunteered in his community, had known the Johnsons for years. The three families were reportedly close, making the incident all the more tragic and confusing for those who knew them.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Collins’ family to help cover funeral expenses and to support his daughter, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack.
Suspects Held Without Bond as Investigation Continues
At their bond hearing, prosecutors emphasized the brutality and premeditated nature of the attack. Assistant State’s Attorney Laura Evans argued that both the father and son acted in tandem, showing a clear intent to kill.
“This wasn’t an accident. This was a deliberate, violent assault on a man who was simply protecting his child,” Evans stated.
Both suspects were denied bond and are facing charges of first-degree murder, with additional counts of aggravated battery and endangering the welfare of a child under consideration.
Authorities are continuing to investigate whether prior disputes between the families played a role in the violence. Court records also reveal that Thomas Johnson has a history of domestic disturbances, although no convictions have been reported to date.
Community Demands Justice as Grief Grows
The Galewood community has been shaken by the attack. On Sunday evening, neighbors held a vigil outside Collins’ home, placing candles and handwritten notes near the site of the assault.
“We want justice for Steven,” said one local resident. “No one should be killed for defending their child.”
Community leaders are also calling for increased intervention programs to reduce violence in households and among youth. The tragedy has raised broader concerns about escalating domestic conflicts and the role of bystanders in protecting the vulnerable.
A local youth counselor who knew the teenage suspect described him as “quiet but troubled,” expressing regret that “no one noticed the warning signs earlier.”
Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of the Cost of Violence
The murder of Steven Collins serves as a chilling reminder of how domestic disputes can erupt into deadly violence, especially when bystanders are involved. As the case moves forward in the courts, prosecutors are expected to present a detailed timeline of events and witness statements to strengthen the charges.
Meanwhile, Collins’ family is urging the public to remember his heroic final act—stepping between his daughter and danger.
“He died protecting the most important person in his life,” said a family spokesperson. “That’s who he was. A father, a friend, and a protector.”
For more on this developing story, visit NBC Chicago’s full report.
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