Four teens are facing charges in connection to the murder of Chicago Police Officer, Aréanah Preston. The officer was found shot outside of her home on May 6.
Details of The Tragedy
Travell Breeland, 19, Joseph Brooks, 19, Jakwon Buchanan, 18, and Jaylan Frazier, 16 (charged as an adult), all face first degree murder charges in Preston’s death. NBC Chicago reports, the 24-year-old officer was off-duty but still wearing her uniform when she returned home the night of the murder. The suspects allegedly exited a vehicle and fired one shot. Authorities say Preston returned fire and was then shot before one of the teens took her gun and fled the scene.
Preston was found near her home by a fellow officer. The police department says while Preston was off-duty at the time of her killing, the incident will be ruled as a “line-of-duty-death.” Doing so, will provide additional benefits to the Preston’s family.
Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) May 8, 2023
End of Watch: May 6, 2023
We join Officer Preston's family and loved ones in mourning the loss of our fallen hero. Our hearts are heavy, but through our grief, we will carry on her legacy of service to Chicago and its people. pic.twitter.com/cZOTrGKZzS
Internal Investigation Underway
The Chicago Sun-Times reports, an internal investigation is now under way in the murder case. Authorities are looking into why it took police more than 30 minutes to get to Preston after she was shot. A ShotSpotter alert from the location was set off following the shots that killed her. A retired first deputy police superintendent told The Sun-Times there was an apparent backlog of calls, so no car was immediately available for the ShotSpotter alert. The Mayor-elect’s chief of staff says a faster response time would not have saved her life, according to the Sun-Times.
A Mother’s Loss
Preston worked as a Chicago Police Officer for three years before her death. Her mother, Dionne Mhoon told WGN, that her daughter deserves justice. Still, the mother expressed sympathy for the alleged shooters. She told the media outlet she is praying for the suspects and their families.
Bright Future Cut Short
According to WGN, Preston was set to graduate with a master’s degree in Law from Loyola University Chicago. She dreamed of joining the FBI and pursue a career investigating sex crimes. Loyola University Chicago will posthumously confer Preston’s Master’s degree. Mhoon will accept the degree on her daughter’s behalf.