More than five years after two people were shot on a party bus in Lakeview, the alleged gunman has been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences.
Victor Haynes, 36, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder, aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a weapon, according to court records. Judge Michael Hood sentenced him to 31 years on each attempted murder count and six years on each of the other two charges.
About 20 people were on riding around in the party bus to celebrate a woman’s birthday shortly before Christmas 2016. When Haynes began arguing with another partier, the guest of honor intervened, and Haynes punched her in the face and choked her, prosecutors said during an initial bond hearing.
Haynes allegedly took out a gun and started shooting at other partiers who tried to help the woman. The bus driver pulled over on Irving Park Road at Lake Shore Drive.
Prosecutors said a 22-year-old man was shot in the neck and suffered a stroke due to his injuries. He was not initially expected to survive. A 33-year-old man was shot in the chest.
Police arrested Haynes as he tried to escape by running into a high-rise condo building on the 3500 North Lake Shore Drive. He was bleeding from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his hand, authorities said.
Haynes reported to Stateville Correctional Center last week. His parole date has not been set. Prosecutors dropped 15 other felony counts in the plea deal, including seven counts of attempted murder, according to court records.
You can support CWBChicago’s start-to-finish tracking of court cases by becoming a subscriber today!
