Prosecutors say text messages reveal Chance Jamerson directed the robbery attempt near the L.L. Bean store, leading to the death of 28-year-old Justin Hill.
A Chicago woman accused of setting up a robbery that turned into a fatal shooting at Oakbrook Center shopping mall will remain in custody while awaiting trial, a DuPage County judge ruled Tuesday morning.
Chance Jamerson, 29, faces three felony counts of attempted armed robbery in connection with the Sept. 30 incident outside the L.L. Bean store in west suburban Oak Brook.
The shooting left 28-year-old Justin Hill of Dolton dead and temporarily placed one of the Chicago area’s largest open-air retail centers on lockdown during midday shopping hours.
The Parking Lot Setup
According to prosecutors, the gunfire stemmed from a scheduled meetup involving five people across two vehicles in the mall’s outer parking ring near 100 Oakbrook Center.
Jamerson reportedly sat inside a vehicle with individuals carrying $2,000 in cash intended to purchase or sell luxury Swatch watches. Investigators allege Jamerson covertly texted Hill her exact location inside the vehicle, instructing him to approach the car, strike the driver with a handgun, and box the vehicle in.
A physical struggle broke out when Hill attempted the robbery. Shots were fired inside and around the vehicles.
Hill suffered fatal gunshot wounds at the scene. Jamerson was also shot during the altercation and received treatment at a local hospital before being taken into custody on Oct. 5.
Police initially detained three people shortly after the gunfire, but investigators released them without immediate charges while reviewing digital evidence and license plate reader data.
Court Arguments and Detention Ruling
During Tuesday morning’s court appearance in DuPage County, prosecutors labeled Jamerson a “clear accomplice” in the fatal attempt, pointing to text communications recovered from cellphones.
Defense attorney Gus Kostopoulos contested the state’s account, arguing Jamerson did not orchestrate the robbery. Kostopoulos requested home confinement or electronic monitoring, emphasizing that Jamerson is a mother of three who recently gave birth to a newborn.
“She has three children, all very young, she recently had a baby only a few weeks ago,” Kostopoulos said following the hearing. “So she’s disappointed in the court’s ruling. She was looking forward to going back to her family.”
The presiding judge acknowledged the family situation but denied the request for pre-trial release, citing legitimate concerns regarding community safety and risks posed to the victims involved.
Community Impact & Local Safety Tips
Oakbrook Center sits near the intersection of Route 83 (Kingery Highway) and 22nd Street, serving as a primary commercial hub for DuPage and western Cook County residents.
While violent incidents at large outdoor retail centers remain rare, local law enforcement agencies recommend basic precautions when executing peer-to-peer cash or high-value merchandise transactions:
- Use Designated Safe Trade Zones: Many local police departments—including suburban DuPage municipal stations—offer monitored police department lobbies or lit parking areas specifically designated for public sales transactions.
- Avoid Private Vehicles: Conduct transactions in visible, well-lit public places equipped with active security camera coverage rather than inside parked vehicles.
- Verify Buyer Details: Limit large cash transactions with unfamiliar parties met online or via text messaging.
DuPage County officials and Oak Brook law enforcement representatives are scheduled to address the media regarding ongoing aspects of the investigation later Tuesday afternoon.
