Family of a Chicago assistant principal calls for renewed criminal charges over his gun-related death

CHICAGO (CBS) — The family of an assistant principal who was shot and killed in a Loop apartment complex last year renewed calls Monday for charges to be brought against the gunman.

Joseph Abnerd32, was an assistant principal at the Intrinsic School in Chicago. He was shot and killed on September 14 of last year in his own apartment complex, The Legacy at Millennium Park, 60 E. Monroe St.

“347 days ago, my brother Abnerd was shot,” said Joseph’s sister Jeanna Kelley. “As a family, we have been thinking about just one word since then: Why?”

Joseph’s family said he was going through an emotional crisis and a neighbor with a concealed carry permit took matters into his own hands and shot Joseph.

The family said police told them the neighbor who shot Joseph seven times acted in self-defense. Police sources told CBS News Chicago that Joseph was seen banging on the doors of his building and was told to stop before shots were fired.

A 45-year-old man was arrested, but was released without charge.

Joseph’s family said he had ADHD and had switched to a new medication before his death. They also said he was unarmed at the time.

Last May, Joseph’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that property management firm Sudler Property Management, real estate firm Avison Young Chicago, development company Mesa Development and the neighbor who fired the shot all responded negligently to Joseph’s mental distress.