John P. Shadbar, a 70-year-old Illinois man, was arrested and charged with a hate crime after allegedly shooting his neighbor, Melissa Robertson, multiple times in what authorities believe was a racially motivated incident. Witnesses reported that Shadbar fired dozens of rounds at Robertson from different locations outside his property, an act that was captured on security cameras in the area. Deputies provided life-saving measures to Robertson, who was shot in the chest and hand, and she was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Robertson, who is white, has Black sons, and her family has allegedly faced harassment from Shadbar since they moved in a decade ago. The family reported incidents of Shadbar using racial slurs and waving a gun, as well as firing his gun in his yard and throwing fireworks between the homes.
Shadbar is facing nine felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, felony possession of a firearm, and a hate crime. After the shooting, Shadbar barricaded himself inside his residence but was eventually convinced by a crisis negotiator to surrender. Authorities reported that Shadbar made incriminating statements while speaking to the negotiator. The family had reported the alleged harassment by Shadbar to authorities multiple times over the years, but no action was taken. Robertson’s 8-year-old son witnessed the shooting, further traumatizing the family. The sheriff’s office stated that additional charges are likely in the case, which has left not just Robertson’s family but also Shadbar’s life and other neighbors affected by the violence.
Robertson’s family spoke out about the incident, expressing their frustration that the situation escalated to such a violent act. Mikeal Johnson, one of Robertson’s sons, stated that Shadbar had repeatedly used racist language and threatened them with a gun in the past. The family described instances of Shadbar yelling racial slurs and firing his gun in their direction, creating a climate of fear and tension. Despite their attempts to seek help from authorities, the harassment continued unchecked, leading to the tragic shooting on Tuesday. The family emphasized that the incident has had a profound impact not just on their lives but also on Shadbar, his wife, and other neighbors who were affected by the violence.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the shooting was captured on security cameras, providing evidence for the charges against Shadbar. After being taken into custody, Shadbar was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility, where he faces multiple serious charges. The sheriff’s office acknowledged the racially motivated nature of the incident and emphasized the need for accountability and justice in such cases. The family’s account of the ongoing harassment they faced from Shadbar sheds light on the impact of unchecked racism and prejudice in communities, highlighting the necessity for swift and effective intervention by authorities to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing hate crimes and discrimination in society to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
