Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Police Department has announced charges for four teenagers in the murder of CPD officer Aréanah Preston.

“Today, charges were announced in the tragic murder of Officer Aréanah Preston. Trevell Breeland, 19; Joseph Brooks, 19, Jakwon Buchanan, 18; and a 16-year-old juvenile have all been charged with first-degree murder,” the Chicago Police Department said in a Facebook post. “These individuals were connected to multiple robberies & a motor vehicle theft earlier that morning leading up to the murder of Officer Preston. Additional charges include armed robbery, arson, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, & unlawful use of a weapon.” 

The department expressed its gratitude to all those who helped in the case.

“Thank you officers & Area 2 Detectives for your tireless work to apprehend these individuals. We also thank our federal partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Cook County State's Attorney's Office & FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in bringing justice for Aréanah and her family,” the Chicago Police Department added.“Though Aréanah is not physically here with us, her spirit of service and kindness will forever carry on. We will #neverforget." 

The alleged murderers are accused of killing Preston after a spree that ended in the officer’s death. The accused are said to have robbed four people and stolen a car within the span of three hours before murdering Preston, torching the car, and fleeing the area. All face life imprisonment if convicted.

"Anytime you can shoot somebody and say ‘that was my work' — what kind of human would say that about another human being?” Preston's mother Dionne Mhoon, said according to Fox 32. 

Preston returned fire after being ambushed but was shot twice in the incident. The suspects targeted her near her Avalon Park home where she had finished a shift. Her weapon was stolen as well. The 16-year-old suspect was overheard on the phone admitting to the crime as well as a string of others.

"She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who wanted to make a difference in this world," interim Chicago Police Superintendent Eric Carter said on Wednesday, Patch reported. "Those who knew her would tell you that's exactly what she did. She wanted to create a better future for Chicago but the incomprehensible actions of these four offenders took that future from her and the loss to the City of Chicago is tremendous.”