Johnnie Ervin

Johnnie Ervin, aged 67, was tragically killed on June 18, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Shirley Ervin, were found stabbed to death inside their home in the North Austin neighborhood. Their son, Dexter Barnes, was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly committing the double homicide. The incident occurred on the 1400 block of North Leclaire Avenue, where the couple was found by another family member around 1 a.m. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with multiple stab wounds reported on both bodies.

Johnnie Ervin had a mobility impairment and used a walker, while his wife Shirley, aged 69, was also dealing with dementia. It was reported that their son had been living with them and providing care for Shirley, who had recently been released from the hospital. Despite the care arrangement, authorities labeled the incident as domestic-related. The specific motive behind the attack has not been disclosed, but court records indicate that Barnes had an extensive criminal history, including a recent probation for aggravated battery.

The discovery of the bodies and the subsequent arrest of their son shook the local community, where the Ervins were well-known and respected. They were active members of the Jehovah's Witness community, and neighbors described them as caring and involved in helping others. The double homicide was part of a broader pattern of violence in Chicago, contributing to the city's rising number of homicides that year, as the city struggled to control escalating violence amidst various social challenges.