Prosecutor: Jealous ex-boyfriend shot, killed man from car in Aurora

A 30-year-old Montgomery man has been charged with first-degree murder, accused of shooting at a man out of jealousy over an ex-girlfriend.

Bail was set at $1 million Thursday morning for Chuckie E. Chatman of the 800 block of Victoria Drive. He can be freed if he posts $100,000.

In addition to the murder charge, Chatman faces felony charges of aggravated discharge of a weapon and reckless homicide in the death of Ernest A. Hardy, 39, of Aurora.

Aurora police say they heard "numerous" gunshots around 12:05 a.m. Oct. 17 on the 1100 block of Plum Street. They found a 2006 Dodge Durango truck that had crashed into a tree on the 700 block of Redwood Drive. Hardy was the driver.

The vehicle had been hit by gunfire. Police say they found evidence showing a vehicle chasing and firing shots at the Durango.

At bond call Thursday morning, Chatman's lawyer argued the state didn't have enough evidence to prove there was probable cause for an arrest. He said there was no evidence Chatman was the driver or passenger of the chasing vehicle - or that his telephone was in the area - at the time of the shooting.

But the prosecutor said there was evidence that Hardy was dating Chatman's ex-girlfriend; that Chatman had gone to the ex-girlfriend's house, and was upset; that the woman gave Chatman Hardy's cellphone number; and that Chatman had arranged with Hardy to go somewhere to fight. Police found evidence showing Chatman's phone was in the area of the house and the crash, she said.

The ex-girlfriend was in Hardy's vehicle when it crashed, the prosecutor said.

Chatman lives on the 800 block of Victoria Drive.

Aurora police are still investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500.