Full Breakdown
Oak Brook Mall Shooting Leads to Attempted Armed Robbery Charge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A Chicago woman, Chance Jamerson, 29, was charged with three felony counts of attempted armed robbery after a fatal shooting occurred in the parking lot of Oakbrook Center in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook. The incident resulted in the death of Justin Hill, 28, of Dolton, and left Jamerson herself wounded. A DuPage County judge ordered her to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Background & Context
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and Oak Brook Police, the alleged crime began as a plan to purchase four limited-edition Swatch watches that were restricted to one per customer. The driver of a black Mercedes had reportedly brought roughly $2,000 to cover the watches, each priced at about $448 plus tax. Jamerson and two other individuals were seated in the Mercedes, with Jamerson in the rear-seat passenger side.
Timeline
- Late morning – Jamerson is reported to have sent a series of text messages to Hill, directing him to block the Mercedes and seize “everything,” including the occupants’ phones.
- Approximately 12:01 p.m. – The Mercedes pulls into a parking space at the mall.
- Shortly after – Hill arrives in a white Nissan Rogue, positions his vehicle behind the Mercedes, and blocks it.
- Hill exits his vehicle, opens the rear-door of the Mercedes, points a firearm at the occupants, and demands their belongings.
- A struggle ensues between Hill and the Mercedes driver; Jamerson exits the back seat and attempts to assist Hill.
- The driver wrests the gun and fires, striking both Hill and Jamerson.
- Both vehicles flee; the occupants are later located at the Oakbrook Terrace Police Department.
- Jamerson enters Hill’s Nissan, drives briefly around the lot, and is subsequently taken into custody.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Three counts of attempted armed robbery (Class 1 felonies).
- Fatalities: One (Justin Hill).
- Injuries: Jamerson sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach; a second woman was also shot and hospitalized.
- Firearms: Police recovered a Springfield 9 mm pistol from the Mercedes and 9 mm shell casings from the parking area.
- Financials: Approximately $2,000 was intended for the purchase of four watches priced at $448 each.
Official Statements & Responses
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin described the incident as an “armed robbery with a firearm,” classifying it as a forcible felony under Illinois law. He emphasized that the driver of the Mercedes will not face charges because Illinois statutes permit the use of deadly force to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. Oak Brook Police similarly noted that the driver’s actions were deemed lawful self-defense under the same statute.
Why It Matters
The decision not to charge the Mercedes driver underscores Illinois’ legal framework that allows lethal force when confronting a forcible felony. The case illustrates how coordinated robbery attempts can quickly escalate to lethal outcomes and how state law shapes the accountability of individuals involved in such confrontations.
What’s Next
A judge has ordered Jamerson to remain detained. Her next court appearance is scheduled for later in October, where further adjudication of the attempted robbery charges will occur.