[Suspect has been apprehended. Scroll down for update]
Jerry Hudson, also known as "Shorty," is on the run and wanted for the New Year's Day murder of a Bolingbrook woman (Tribune) at an Oak Brook hotel.
Melissa Bridgewater was shot at least five times at close range outside the Doubletree Hotel, resulting in her death, allegedly by Hudson. Bridgewater was married to Hudson for 18 years before their divorce in 2006.
Now he's a fugitive and considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact DuPage County Crime Stoppers, which is offering a $1,000 for information leading to his arrest and prosecution.
The Illinois Crime Commission is also offering up to $10,000 in reward money.
He's believed to be driving a silver, 2008 Hyandai Tiburon with the following Minnesota license plate: 506 CMZ.
DuPage County prosecutors filed first-degree murder charges against Hudson for what they say was a pre-planned hit. Hudson called Bridgewater multiple times and, quoting State's Attorney Joseph Birkett, "lured her out with a ruse saying he was at her Bolingbrook home destroying her property."
Actually, according to prosecutors, he was waiting in the parking lot of the hotel. Evidence shows that he pinned her in her car with his own vehicle and then shot her. Soon after the shooting, Hudson's rented Hyundai was filmed committing an unspecified toll violation (probably speeding through without paying, so as to avoid being stopped) at a toll plaza near the hotel.
Hudson's family reportedly is not cooperating with investigators, even though they warned them not to protect him. He has previously been charged with domestic abuse and violating a restraining order.
Update: After the initial publication of this post, Hudson turned himself in to Oak Brook police.
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Most Wanted Fugitives (DuPage County Shefiff's Office)
- Contact a Chicago Criminal Attorney (FindLaw)
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