A Chicago judge is facing intense criticism after a violent criminal he released on electronic monitoring allegedly went on to shoot and kill a city police officer. Cook County Judge John Lyke Jr. allowed Alphanso Talley, 26, to be freed in December while he awaited trial for armed carjacking and armed robbery, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Talley had been in custody for eight months prior to his release.
Release Hearing Details
During the release hearing, Lyke stated that he had observed 'attitude adjustments' in Talley as the defendant appeared in court over time. 'This court has had an opportunity to watch him,' Lyke said. 'I have seen attitude adjustments. He came in this court in 2023 extremely angry.' However, in March 2026, Talley missed two curfews, and his monitoring device suspiciously shut off. On March 11, he failed to appear in court, prompting Lyke to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Subsequent Crimes
Talley was not detained until Saturday, when he allegedly stole cash from an Albany Park dollar store and repeatedly pistol-whipped the clerk, breaking her nose. Moments later, he allegedly killed Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew and critically wounded his partner. Police tracked Talley using a GPS device hidden in the stolen cash. According to arrest reports, Talley told officers he had swallowed a bag of drugs and was escorted to the hospital, where he allegedly pulled a gun from his hospital blanket and shot two officers. He then shot out a hospital window and fled naked, later found hiding under a porch.
Judge's Previous Involvement
Talley had previously been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and battering a correctional officer, both cases heard by Lyke. On Tuesday, Talley was meant to be tried for previous arrest warrants, but Lyke pushed the hearings. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza criticized Lyke's decision, stating, 'No reasonable person breathing should think that it’s OK to put an armed robber carjacker on an electronic monitor and send them on their merry way.'
Legal Context
WGNTV reported that Illinois' SAFE-T Act allowed Lyke to release Talley before his hearing. The law eliminated cash bail and shifted focus to pre-trial release based on risk assessment. Lyke noted in December that Talley would have faced a minimum of $1 million bail under previous rules, but the Legislature changed the system. The judge also remarked that many of Talley's crimes occurred when 'his brain wasn’t fully developed,' adding, 'It appears his mind is finally developing and he may be on the path to making better decisions.' Talley's mother told the Sun-Times that her son struggles with bipolar disorder and had been institutionalized.
Officer's Death
The Chicago Police Department is mourning Officer John Bartholomew, a ten-year veteran. 'Officer Bartholomew dedicated his life to protecting his fellow Chicagoans,' read a tribute. 'Above all, he was a beloved father, husband, son and brother. We promise to ensure his sacrifice will never be forgotten.' Talley is set to appear in court again on Thursday with a public defender and remains in custody.
