Statements Delivered in Murder of Judge Raymond Myles
Loved ones addressed the court as Earl Wilson awaits sentencing for the 2017 killing of the Chicago judge.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Friends and family members provided victim impact statements during a hearing at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse. The proceedings follow the conviction of 54-year-old Earl Wilson for the murder of Judge Raymond Myles.
Why it matters
The testimony provides a public record of the harm caused to the community and the judge's family by his 2017 death. It marks a critical step toward the conclusion of the long-running criminal proceedings.
Earl Wilson was convicted of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and armed robbery. His sentencing is currently scheduled for mid-November 2026.
The players
Raymond Myles
He served as a judge at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building before he was killed in 2017.
Earl Wilson
The 54-year-old was convicted of murder and other charges related to the incident.
Joshua Smith
He is a co-defendant who pleaded guilty to armed robbery and was sentenced to 35 years in 2024.
Jeffrey McKay
He is the judge who presided over the trial at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse.
Venita Parrish
She was the individual wounded by a gunshot to the leg during the robbery attempt.
The details
Judge Raymond Myles was killed in a shooting in the 9400 block of South Forest Avenue after a gunman confronted him and Venita Parrish. Parrish, who was wounded in the leg during the robbery, had previously alerted authorities to someone lurking near the home.
Timeline
Judge Raymond Myles was killed on April 10, 2017.
Joshua Smith received a 35-year prison sentence in 2024.
Victim impact statements were delivered on September 21, 2026.
Earl Wilson is scheduled for sentencing in mid-November 2026.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the broader history of criminal proceedings initiated after the 2017 murder of Judge Raymond Myles. The case reflects the rigorous multi-year judicial process often required when adjudicating violent crimes against public officials.
The conclusion of this trial brings closure to a high-profile case involving violence against a member of the judiciary. Residents in the area surrounding South Forest Avenue may note the finalization of legal actions stemming from the 2017 incident.
The takeaway
This case highlights the enduring impact of violent crime on victims, their families, and the community over several years. Court hearings for serious crimes often extend well past the initial incident date, requiring significant patience from all involved parties.
What happens next
Earl Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced by the court in mid-November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local court cases in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
