Killer
victim
A Ford Heights man died Saturday, five days after struggling with a man who was attempting to steal his bike.
Fred Barnes, 48, was coming back from a shopping trip about 9 p.m. Monday in Ford Heights when he saw the would-be thief, Ronald Wade, 18, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s office.
They struggled, and Wade put Barnes in a chokehold, beat him and threw him to the ground — causing severe head injuries, officials said.
“It’s senseless,†said Abel Barnes Jr., Fred’s older brother. “He was a nice person. He didn’t mess with anybody. All he wanted was his bike. Nobody should take another person’s life over a bike.â€
Barnes’ mother, Loren, along with his brothers and sisters, decided to take him off life support Saturday, Abel Barnes said.
Wade, also of Ford Heights, was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, the sheriff’s office said. Bond was set at $2 million Friday. Officials expect charges will be upgraded.
Barnes, an Arkansas native, had lived in Ford Heights since he was 5. He was a track star at Bloom Trail High School, his brother said.
Barnes worked as a butcher in the meat department at New Way Foods.
Ford Heights man, 48, dies after struggle over bike - Chicago Sun-Times