Brother Accused of Attempted Murder in Connection to Sister’s Death

A man is facing serious charges following a violent incident linked to his sister’s tragic death. Javan Weatherspoon, 34, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, according to Chicago police. This comes shortly after the disappearance and death of his sister, Zenobia Weatherspoon, whose body was discovered in a garbage can on Chicago’s South Side.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office has yet to determine her cause of death. Her death is under investigation. Zenobia Weatherspoon, 38, was reported missing on July 10, and her body was found in Back of the Yards.

Prosecutors claimed that on Sunday, Javan Weatherspoon confronted a 45-year-old woman whom he accused of knowing about his sister’s death. The confrontation took place in a parking lot in the 5400 block of South Halsted Street. The woman, reportedly a friend of Zenobia, was among those who found her body.

Surveillance footage cited by prosecutors revealed that after an argument, Weatherspoon allegedly struck the woman with a firearm and then shot her in the left pelvic area. He walked away but returned to fire a second shot, which did not hit the woman. The incident unfolded as a witness contacted 911.

A .22-caliber shell casing was retrieved at the scene. The injured woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where it was confirmed she suffered a gunshot wound to her left hip and a head fracture.

Javan Weatherspoon was arrested on Wednesday near his residence in the 800 block of West 54th Place. He remains in custody pending trial, with a court appearance set for July 29.

The Cook County public defender’s office indicated that an assistant public defender is representing Weatherspoon, and emphasized that statements made by police and prosecutors are allegations. These allegations can evolve as investigations proceed.