KANKAKEE, Ill. – A murder case that sent shockwaves through the community has taken a significant turn as authorities apprehended the suspect on Friday night. Syncere L Prince, an 18-year-old resident of Kankakee, now finds himself behind bars, facing murder charges. On Monday, Judge Kathy Elliott set bond for Prince at $2 million.
Prince’s arrest comes in connection with a tragic incident that occurred on July 11, 2023. At approximately 10:15 p.m., the Kankakee City Patrol Officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 700 block of N. Park Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered 16-year-old Kimoni Franks lying on the sidewalk, with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Despite the efforts of the Kankakee Fire Department, Franks succumbed to his injuries.
The crime scene was meticulously preserved with the assistance of the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department. Kankakee City Detectives arrived promptly, collecting crucial evidence such as 17 shell casings and thoroughly documenting the area. The Kankakee County Coroner’s Office is actively assisting the Kankakee Police Department in their investigation.
Prince’s arrest holds a peculiar twist. It turns out that he was already out on bond from a prior incident that occurred on June 26th during the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival. On that day, Bourbonnais Police apprehended Prince for possession of an illegal weapon. Eyewitnesses reported a heated altercation escalating into chaos, leading to Prince attempting to flee the scene before being apprehended in a nearby parking lot. A subsequent search revealed a loaded 9mm handgun with a defaced serial number, raising concerns among festival attendees.
Prince will next appear in court for an arraignment next Monday, July 24th, at 9:30 a.m.
