First-degree murder charges were brought against an 18-year-old man Wednesday after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, prompting her to jump out of an 8th-story window, police said.
The couple`s 1-year-old son and two nieces were in the apartment during the incident, police said.
Willie Clark, who had recently moved out of the couple`s apartment at 3855 S. Ellis Ave., allegedly beat 19-year-old Gwendolyn Bateman for two hours before she jumped from the window, said Detective Jim Cassidy of the Wentworth violent crimes unit.
Bateman had broken up with Clark, her boyfriend of six years, about two weeks ago, Cassidy said.
Clark allegedly went to the apartment around 8 p.m. Tuesday seeking a reconciliation, said Cassidy. Bateman refused, Cassidy said, and the discussion became a quarrel in the living room, where he punched her and gave her a bloody nose.
They then moved into the bedroom, where Clark forcibly held and beat Bateman for two hours, Cassidy said.
”He beat her up and threatened to keep beating her up, and that`s why she jumped,” said Cassidy.
She said, ”Let me go, I can`t take this anymore`,” according to police. She moved to a partially opened bedroom window, opened it, and jumped out.
The couple`s 1-year-old son and Bateman`s sister`s two children were in the living room during the quarrel and subsequent beating. They were unharmed, and the 1-year-old was turned over to a family member.
