Dolton police said Thursday they have a person of interest in custody in connection with the apparent beating death of a 63-year-old woman.
According to the Cook County medical examiner’s office, Tobitha Johnson, of the 14800 block of Michigan Avenue in Dolton, suffered multiple injuries during an assault and her death was ruled a homicide.
She was pronounced dead at 5 a.m. Wednesday at that address.
Dolton police Chief Robert Collins said a person of interest is in custody, and said the investigation is still active but he is “unable to provide further details” until police are farther along into the investigation.
Separately, authorities report the death of a 75-year-old Country Club Hills woman from injuries suffered in a house fire there a homicide.
Vera Brown, of the 4600 block of 176th Street, died from complications of burns suffered in the fire, according to the medical examiner’s office. She was pronounced dead at 11:42 a.m. Monday at Loyola University Medical Center, according to the medical examiner.
Country Club Hills firefighters responded at about 7 p.m. April 1 to the house fire, with crews encountering heavy smoke and fire, according to fire Chief Michelle Hullinger.
She said three people were taken to area hospitals, including two in critical condition. Hullinger said the investigation was turned over to Country Club Hills police and said the State Fire Marshal’s Office is also involved in the investigation.
mnolan@tribpub.com
