The court proceedings took a significant turn on Wednesday as a man with seven prior felony convictions faced charges for allegedly killing a Chicago police officer. The accused, Alphanso Talley, 27, appeared in an Illinois courtroom to formally respond to the accusations.
In front of a full courtroom, Talley declared his innocence regarding the charges related to the tragic death of Officer John Bartholomew, a 28-year-old member of the Chicago Police Department. The plea was entered during a morning session.
Family members of both the victim and the accused were present, with Officer Bartholomew’s relatives and Talley’s mother and another family member occupying the front row seats. The emotional atmosphere was palpable throughout the proceeding.
As he was being led out of the courtroom, Talley made a poignant request, shouting, “Go hug my momma,” which led to a touching moment as another individual consoled his mother.
Talley is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting two police officers, an event that has shocked the local community. (Cook County Sheriff’s Office)
Immediately following the court appearance, a male individual was seen engaging in a spirited exchange with Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara Jr. before he walked away. News Media reached out to Catanzara.
Talley’s public defender, Ryan Carlsen, said after the hearing that it was discussed in court that Talley is not receiving adequate health treatment. Carlsen said Talley has documented mental health issues and bounced between foster homes during a difficult childhood.
Prosecutors allege Talley fatally shot Bartholomew and gravely injured Officer Nelson Crespo at Swedish Hospital on Saturday, April 25.
On the day of the alleged shooting, Talley was taken into custody just hours earlier in connection with a suspected armed robbery at a local Family Dollar, authorities previously said. Officials allege that he pistol-whipped a female employee inside the store before stealing her wallet and keys.
John Bartholomew was shot and killed on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Chicago. (Chicago Police Department)
Immediately following his arrest, Talley allegedly told officers he had consumed narcotics and asked to be taken to the hospital.
GOT A TIP?
Upon receiving medical treatment, police say Talley retrieved a gun from underneath a blanket in his hospital room and shot both officers before attempting to escape custody.
“He was going to attempt an escape when he pretended to swallow drugs,” prosecutors previously told the court while arguing for Talley to remain behind bars. “He knew police would take him to the hospital for his own well-being. He knew he would be uncuffed at that time. He did that to officers who simply took him to the hospital for his own well-being.”
Police officers stand in formation during a funeral service for Officer John Bartholomew. (WFLD)
After his initial court appearance, Judge D’Anthony Thedford ruled Talley would remain in custody as he awaits trial.
Talley is also facing a slew of separate charges stemming from the alleged robbery and carjacking case, and was ordered to remain behind bars earlier this month after Judge John Lyke Jr. granted prosecutors’ request to formally revoke his pretrial release.
Chicago police officers stand outside a hospital in Chicago awaiting updates on two officers shot during a prisoner transport incident at Swedish Hospital on April 25, 2026. A suspect was taken into custody after a brief manhunt in the neighborhood. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The case drew national attention after Talley – a seven-time felon – allegedly gunned down Bartholomew while free on electronic monitoring, which had been granted by Lyke Jr.
At the time of his pre-trial release, Talley’s rap sheet included a conviction for four counts of aggravated robbery with a firearm in 2017, unlawful use or possession of a firearm by a felon with a prior conviction in 2021, battery on a peace officer in 2023 and possession/aiding and abetting a stolen motor vehicle.
He was released under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, which established cashless bail in 2021.
Talley is charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated unlawful restraint, armed robbery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated battery, escape and unlawful use of a weapon.
He is set to return to court for a discovery hearing on June 25.
News Media reached out to the Cook County prosecutor’s office and Talley’s attorney for comment.
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