Chicago cop killing suspect sent back to jail by judge who previously freed him under controversial bail law

The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Chicago police officer, who has a criminal history spanning seven felonies, appeared in court on Wednesday to formally respond to the charges against him.

Alphanso Talley, 27, entered a plea of not guilty in connection with the death of Chicago Police Department Officer John Bartholomew, who was 28 years old. The plea was made during a session in an Illinois courtroom on Wednesday morning.

Officer Bartholomew’s family attended the court proceedings, joined by Talley’s mother and another relative, both of whom were seated prominently in the front row.

As Talley was being led out of the courtroom, he called out, “Go hug my momma,” prompting another man present to comfort his mother with an embrace.

Talley faces murder charges following allegations that he shot two police officers. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed these charges.

Shortly after the court session concluded, a man was observed having a heated conversation with John Catanzara Jr., the President of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, before eventually departing. News outlets have reached out to Catanzara for further comment.

Talley’s public defender, Ryan Carlsen, said after the hearing that it was discussed in court that Talley is not receiving adequate health treatment. Carlsen said Talley has documented mental health issues and bounced between foster homes during a difficult childhood.

Prosecutors allege Talley fatally shot Bartholomew and gravely injured Officer Nelson Crespo at Swedish Hospital on Saturday, April 25.

On the day of the alleged shooting, Talley was taken into custody just hours earlier in connection with a suspected armed robbery at a local Family Dollar, authorities previously said. Officials allege that he pistol-whipped a female employee inside the store before stealing her wallet and keys.

John Bartholomew was shot and killed on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Chicago. (Chicago Police Department)

Immediately following his arrest, Talley allegedly told officers he had consumed narcotics and asked to be taken to the hospital.

GOT A TIP?  

Upon receiving medical treatment, police say Talley retrieved a gun from underneath a blanket in his hospital room and shot both officers before attempting to escape custody. 

“He was going to attempt an escape when he pretended to swallow drugs,” prosecutors previously told the court while arguing for Talley to remain behind bars. “He knew police would take him to the hospital for his own well-being. He knew he would be uncuffed at that time. He did that to officers who simply took him to the hospital for his own well-being.”

Police officers stand in formation during a funeral service for Officer John Bartholomew. (WFLD)

After his initial court appearance, Judge D’Anthony Thedford ruled Talley would remain in custody as he awaits trial. 

Talley is also facing a slew of separate charges stemming from the alleged robbery and carjacking case, and was ordered to remain behind bars earlier this month after Judge John Lyke Jr. granted prosecutors’ request to formally revoke his pretrial release.

Chicago police officers standing outside a hospital in Chicago.

Chicago police officers stand outside a hospital in Chicago awaiting updates on two officers shot during a prisoner transport incident at Swedish Hospital on April 25, 2026. A suspect was taken into custody after a brief manhunt in the neighborhood. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The case drew national attention after Talley – a seven-time felon – allegedly gunned down Bartholomew while free on electronic monitoring, which had been granted by Lyke Jr.

At the time of his pre-trial release, Talley’s rap sheet included a conviction for four counts of aggravated robbery with a firearm in 2017, unlawful use or possession of a firearm by a felon with a prior conviction in 2021, battery on a peace officer in 2023 and possession/aiding and abetting a stolen motor vehicle.

He was released under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, which established cashless bail in 2021. 

Talley is charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated unlawful restraint, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated battery, escape and unlawful use of a weapon.

He is set to return to court for a discovery hearing on June 25. 

News Agency reached out to the Cook County prosecutor’s office and Talley’s attorney for comment.

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