South Cook News

Tamara Jailynn Johnson, 22, and Jason Jerry Joseph Johnson, 23, both residents of Lafayette, Indiana, have been apprehended and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jonnie Angel Klein.

The incident unfolded on Nov. 4, Klein was fatally shot at 3 p.m. while using an ATM in her hometown of Worth.

The suspects, who are originally from Lafayette, Ind., are believed to be connected to a series of armed robberies not only in Illinois but also in their home state.

Jonnie Angel Klein | Provided

Klein, was a single mother of a 14-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter, was confronted while using a Chase bank ATM in her hometown of Worth.

The Worth Police Department shared details of the investigation on their Facebook page.

“In the afternoon hours of November 04, 2023, the Worth Police Department responded to a report of a person in need of assistance in the 6800 block of West 111th Street,” the Worth Police Department said on Facebook.

“Upon arrival, it was learned the victim was fatally wounded by a gunshot. The South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and the Worth Police Department immediately conducted an investigation into the incident.”

The Worth Police Department noted the arrests were made “after an extremely thorough and extensive investigation, both suspects were charged with First-Degree Murder. They will attend a bond hearing at the Fifth Municipal District of Cook County Courthouse in Bridgeview, Illinois on November 08, 2023.”

“The Worth Police Department would like to thank the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and Cook County State's Attorney's Office for their assistance and cooperation in this investigation.”

In Indiana, a Jasper County Sheriff's Office detective said the couple were known to drive a Lexus that they had repainted several times over their string of alleged crimes and at times was silver, white, blue and red.

The duo is also suspected in an Oct. 29, armed robbery that occurred at a Monticello, Ind. business as well as a robbery in Hobart, Ind. and multiple other locations in Indiana.

Following their arrests the Johnsons were charged with armed robbery in a separate case in Tippecanoe County, Ind. on Nov. 6.

Jason Jerry Joseph Johnson was also facing charges from a May 11 intimidation case involving threats to commit a forcible felony and possession of marijuana.

“Multiple firearms were recovered, one of which is believed to be the weapon used in the homicide,” Police Chief Timothy Denton said, according to the New York Post.

In her memory, Klein's family has set up a GoFundMe account to help cover the costs of her funeral expenses and provide support for her children's future.

The family called Klein a “victim of senseless violence.”

“She worked tirelessly to provide for her family without complaint. She was a kind, caring, humble, loving, family member (mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin), a friend to many, a dedicated worker, a provider for those in need, and an amazing human being all round. She faced many battles head on; she was a warrior that never gave up,” the GoFundMe reads.

The Klein family expressed their gratitude to everyone who was a part of Klein’s life and is contributing to assist her family.

"She's always been the light of our family, taking care of her mother, brother and kids. She's always been that person," her cousin Nick Klein told ABC 7 Chicago. "She would give you the shirt off her back; a lot of people will miss her.”