A 19-year-old Waukegan man has been charged with the Sept. 4 murder of Evanston resident Stanley Butler III.

At 10:27 p.m. Sept. 4 Evanston Police responded to the 1700 block of Dodge Avenue for a 911 call of a person shot inside a residence. Officers arrived and discovered Butler inside the residence. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, police said. The Evanston Fire Department responded and treated Butler, but he died on the scene from his injuries. No one else was injured. Police said multiple suspects entered the victim’s residence, shot the victim, then fled. 

A Saturn Vue was observed by responding officers leaving the scene of the homicide westbound on Church Street. Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle after observing a traffic violation. When the authorities tried to stop the Saturn, it fled. Officers lost sight of the Saturn after a brief pursuit, police said.

A short time later, officers located the Saturn in the 5000 block of Dempster Street at the Skokie Swift Station. Officers stopped the vehicle and detained the driver, who was the sole occupant. Police said officers discovered two firearms and gloves in the passenger seat.

After working with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, detectives charged the driver, a 19-year-old Waukegan resident, in connection with Butler’s murder.

The Evanston Police Detective Bureau and North Regional Major Crimes Task Force are continuing the investigation. Police said additional suspects are at large, adding that the 19-year-old Waukegan resident is the only suspect in custody. He has been charged with one count of first-degree murder; one count of home invasion – discharge of a firearm; and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Anyone who believes they might have information about this investigation is asked to contact the Evanston Police Detective Bureau at 847-866-5040 or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) and then start your message with EPDTIP.

Court Information

The suspect in custody appeared in Skokie Bond Court on Tuesday, Sept. 7, and is being held without bond. His next court date is Sept. 28 at the Skokie Courthouse. 

Fundraiser for victim’s family

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help Butler’s family with memorial expenses.

The GoFundMe page describes the 21-year-old as a “gentle giant.”

“From birth to manhood, he loved his family, animals, and video games,” the GoFundMe page reads. “His laugh was contagious, and his smile could light up a room. He always went out of his way to make sure that those around him would smile.

“While we are sure he was greeted at the gates by his Grandmother, Grandfather, Uncle, and sister we are all in disbelief. To know him was to love him and now his absence leaves his mother and immediate family overwhelmed with unimaginable grief.“

The GoFundMe page has a goal of $10,000. To view the page, visit: https://gf.me/v/c/w77/Gentile-Giant