When former Marine and retired truck driver Charles J. Clements says "keep off the grass," he really means it. In a tragic and dead serious turn of events, reported by the Chicago Tribune, one man lost his life for not taking Charles Clements seriously and allowing his fox terrier to urinate on his perfectly manicured lawn. It must have been terrifying for neighbors to see a man shot over a lawn.
Since Charles Clements patiently waited for police and was taken into custody without incident, his Chicago criminal defense attorney may encourage his client to cooperate and hope for the best. But murder is always a serious charge.
The 69-year-old University Park man had won the neighborhood's beautification and lawn upkeep award but also frequently threatened people who dared step on his beloved turf. Charles Clements came outside and starting arguing with 23-year-old Joshua Funches after the man's dog lifted its leg and relieved itself on his lawn.
He then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the dog-walker, who (hoping to call the man's bluff) said the following:
"Next time you pull out a pistol, why don't you use it?"
The ex-Marine immediately made good on his threat and pulled the trigger, killing the father of two (with another child on the way). Witnesses, including neighbor Joanne Byers, heard the exchange of words and saw the shooting:
"It hurt me pretty bad, to see a person killed over something so petty."
Joanne Byers, who lives across the street, said her son once accidentally stepped on Charles Clements' grass while strolling down the sidewalk and talking on his mobile phone. Sure enough, she said, he "popped out and called, 'Hey watch it; watch it!'"
Charles Clements is being held on $3 million bail and has been charged with first- and second-degree murder.
Related Resources:
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Murder: Second Degree (FindLaw)
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Love of Lawns Clashes with Love of Dogs in University Park Slaying (Chicago Tribune)
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Contact a Chicago Criminal Attorney (FindLaw)
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