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Double Take
Man accused of killing neighbor over dog pee
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 2:54 AM
Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO - A retired former Marine who neighbors say obsessed over his University Park lawn is being held on $3 million bond, accused of gunning down a neighbor whose puppy allegedly urinated on the man's well-manicured grass.
Charles J. Clements, 69, routinely wins the Chicago suburb's beautification and lawn-upkeep award but is known for threatening children or adults who set foot in his yard, neighbors said.
On Sunday night, Joshua Funches, a 23-year-old father of two, was walking his fox terrier when the dog lifted its leg and urinated on Clements' lawn, said Funches' mother, Patricia, 53.
The two men began arguing and, at some point, Clements, a retired bus driver, pulled out a pistol and shot Funches, said Will County assistant state's attorney Sondra Denmark.
"It was all over a little wooden plaque," said Patricia Funches, referring to the town's beautification award.
Funches had two children, ages 1 and 4, with another due to be born in August, his mother said.
Clements, who has no criminal history, was being held on first- and second-degree murder charges. Judge Marzell Richardson noted that Clements allegedly told his victim he would be found not guilty if arrested.
Double Take
Man accused of killing neighbor over dog pee
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 2:54 AM
Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO - A retired former Marine who neighbors say obsessed over his University Park lawn is being held on $3 million bond, accused of gunning down a neighbor whose puppy allegedly urinated on the man's well-manicured grass.
Charles J. Clements, 69, routinely wins the Chicago suburb's beautification and lawn-upkeep award but is known for threatening children or adults who set foot in his yard, neighbors said.
On Sunday night, Joshua Funches, a 23-year-old father of two, was walking his fox terrier when the dog lifted its leg and urinated on Clements' lawn, said Funches' mother, Patricia, 53.
The two men began arguing and, at some point, Clements, a retired bus driver, pulled out a pistol and shot Funches, said Will County assistant state's attorney Sondra Denmark.
"It was all over a little wooden plaque," said Patricia Funches, referring to the town's beautification award.
Funches had two children, ages 1 and 4, with another due to be born in August, his mother said.
Clements, who has no criminal history, was being held on first- and second-degree murder charges. Judge Marzell Richardson noted that Clements allegedly told his victim he would be found not guilty if arrested.
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