Pair plead not guilty to murder of North Chicago woman

Two men accused of killing a North Chicago woman and wounding two men in a hail of gunfire in an apartment pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips told William Fillyaw, 30, and Johnny Parker, 24, both of North Chicago, they may be eligible for the death penalty if convicted of murdering Lasondra Shaw, 28.

Police say Shaw was hit in the back of the neck by a shotgun blast fired by Fillyaw when he and Parker, who was firing a 9mm pistol, burst into an apartment on 13th Street in the early morning hours of June 29.

Fillyaw and Parker were identified as the attackers by the two wounded men. A minor told police they were the men seen running from the apartment after the shooting.

Parker was arrested two days later after police traced a cell phone found near the scene to him. Fillyaw was captured July 3 after being shot while trying to escape a police trap near the Wisconsin border.

Both are held without bond in the Lake County jail.

Phillips told the pair they are eligible for the death penalty if convicted because the murder took place as part of the felony crimes of home invasion and residential burglary.

Assistant State's Attorney Catherine Waldeck told Phillips she expects State's Attorney Michael Waller to decide if he will seek capital punishment in the case within three weeks.

Phillips scheduled a trial for Sept. 4.