Kamari Bob O Belmont, a 23-year-old African American male, was fatally shot on March 6, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. Belmont had just been released from Cook County Jail after posting bond for robbery charges. He had previously been held on murder and robbery charges related to a 2015 incident where he allegedly shot Sorrell Marshall, a 40-year-old man, during a robbery. Marshall succumbed to his injuries three weeks later.
Due to a technicality under the state's speedy trial statute, the murder charges against Belmont were dropped in January 2017, but the robbery charges remained.
On the night of his release, Belmont was ambushed by assailants in a white SUV while he was a few blocks away from the jail. The attackers opened fire, hitting Belmont multiple times. The SUV sped off, running a red light and crashing into another vehicle before the occupants fled the scene. Belmont collapsed in the street and was pronounced dead at the scene. His attorney, Michael Johnson, expressed disbelief at the news, noting that he had advised Belmont to leave the neighborhood upon his release.
The investigation into Belmont's death did not immediately yield any suspects or arrests. Authorities did not believe the killing was an act of street justice, as the initial robbery and murder were not gang-related. The circumstances surrounding Belmont's release and subsequent murder raised questions about the swift dissemination of information regarding his release from jail. Despite the tragic end, the case highlighted the complexities and challenges within the legal system, particularly concerning the enforcement of the speedy trial statute and the handling of serious charges.
