Marty Burtin, a 29-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on August 4, 2016, in Bellwood, Illinois. The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. near his home in the 3900 block of Warren Avenue. Burtin was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood at 1:13 a.m. An autopsy confirmed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Tajuan Murry, a 24-year-old African American male from North Riverside. Murry was charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Marty Burtin. According to the police and Cook County medical examiner’s office, Murry shot Burtin about 15 times. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear, but it was noted that Murry had been on parole for a 2010 armed robbery conviction at the time of the incident.
Murry's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings revealed more details about the case. He was identified through video surveillance and witness testimonies, including his brother, who had a conversation with Burtin shortly before the shooting. Murry was denied bail and held without bond by Judge Donald Panarese Jr. during a court hearing. The prosecution highlighted the "heinous nature" of the crime and Murry's criminal background, which included three prior armed robbery convictions.
The case against Murry proceeded with charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, as another individual was also injured during the shooting. The legal process involved multiple court appearances, with Murry's next court date set shortly after his initial hearing. The community of Bellwood and Burtin's family continued to seek justice for the senseless killing, remembering Marty Burtin as a beloved member of the community who was lost to gun violence.
