Martel Telly Howard, a 24-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 21, 2016, in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred on the 4600 block of West Huron Street. Howard, who was also known by his nickname "Telly," was a resident of Westchester, Illinois. His death is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued certain areas of Chicago, particularly those affected by gang activity.
The investigation into
Martel Telly Howard's murder revealed that his death was linked to gang violence. Specifically, it was alleged that a member of the Wicked Town faction of the Traveling Vice Lords street gang, identified as Benson, was responsible for Howard's murder. This gang has been involved in numerous violent crimes, including murders, attempted murders, armed robberies, and assaults, primarily in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. The gang's activities were part of a larger criminal enterprise that included drug trafficking and the use of "trap houses" to store firearms and illegal narcotics.
In November 2021, a federal indictment was unsealed, charging 13 alleged leaders, members, and associates of the Wicked Town faction with participating in a criminal organization responsible for multiple acts of violence, including the murder of Martel Telly Howard. The indictment was part of a multi-year investigation that involved several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Chicago Police Department, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The charges against the gang members included racketeering, murder, attempted murder, and other violent crimes.
The indictment and subsequent arrests were significant steps in addressing the gang violence that had claimed the lives of many individuals, including Martel Telly Howard. The legal proceedings aimed to hold those responsible accountable and to dismantle the criminal organization that had terrorized the community. The case highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating gang-related violence and the importance of coordinated efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
