Dolton resident Steven J. Knox, 19, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to eight counts of murder in the January homicide of Michael Arnold, 68, of Oak Forest.
Prosecutors said Arnold was found dead Jan. 23 in his home on the 15000 block of Sunset Avenue in Oak Forest by his sister and her husband, who came to check on him after not hearing from him for a few days.
Because Arnold was found lying face down in the living room and had prior health issues, family and first responders did not immediately discover that he had been shot, prosecutors said. Arnold’s cause of death was later listed by the Cook County medical examiner’s office as multiple gunshot wounds.
The next day, family members discovered Arnold’s car was missing from the garage, which they reported to police, prosecutors said. They also found text messages on Arnold’s phone with a contact named “Duke,” whose phone number prosecutors said matched to Knox using records.
Prosecutors said Arnold and “Duke” had made plans to meet Jan. 21. Some personal messages were deleted by family members before realizing law enforcement was going to become involved, prosecutors said.
Once Arnold’s car was reported missing, police realized it had been involved in an accident Jan. 21 in Dolton, from which the driver walked away, with the car being towed and impounded, prosecutors said.
Knox was arrested that day by Blue Island police after they attempted to stop a different car identified as stolen, prosecutors said. Knox faces an additional set of felony charges relating to that arrest, including possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful use of a weapon, to which he has also pleaded not guilty.
The Oak Forest police announced in February that Knox was indicted by a for murder.
“This case is still in the earliest stages, and these charges are only allegations at this point,” the Cook County public defender’s office said in a statement. “Cases often change significantly as they progress, as more information comes to light and the state’s evidence is reviewed.”
The office said Knox is a high school graduate, was employed and has strong family support.
“We look forward to fighting in court on his behalf as the case proceeds,” the office said.
Knox pleaded guilty Feb. 19 to misdemeanor retail theft and escape for an incident that took place on Jan. 5, according to prosecutors and court records.
Cook County Judge Steven J. Rosenblum ordered that Knox remain in custody. Knox’s next court date is April 15 at the Bridgeview courthouse.
elewis@chicagotribune.com
