No Bail for Grandson Charged in Shooting Grandfather for Money

A 19-year-old man was held without bail Saturday after he was charged in the fatal shooting of his grandfather who was killed on his way to a dialysis appointment earlier this month.

William Strickland was charged Friday with one count of first degree murder and one count of armed robbery with a firearm.

Strickland was charged after his 72-year-old grandfather, also William Strickland, was shot six times in the back in his gangway on the Far South Side in what appeared to be a robbery, police said. 

Strickland admitted in court to stealing his grandfather's gun and commiting the crime with that gun. He also said he stole money from his grandfather to purchase tattoos, new shoes, a cell phone and other items.

A life sentence may be imposed, though Strickland has no criminal background.

Strickland's grandfather had recently retired from a steel mill after 28 years of employment and his family said he was a kind-hearted, generous man.

Neighbors were suprised by the shooting on the corner of 95th Street and Eberhart Avenue and said the area is mostly filled with retired or older residents and typically has very little violence.

"We're not used to [violence] here. It's a close neighborhood," said Jonathan Garener. "William was a wonderful guy. I feel like I lost a role model."

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