South Side man charged with murder in Avalon Park gunfight
Staff Reporter A South Side man was ordered held in lieu of $600,000 bail Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a gunfight that left his friend dead.
Alden Welch, 27, was charged with murder in connection with the shootout that left Antinino Walker dead.
Walker was with Isreal Taylor and Welch when he was killed in a shootout between Taylor and a 25-yearold man who apparently owed Welch money from a dice game, Cook County prosecutors said.
That man had spoken with Welch on the phone on March 3 about paying Welch back, Assistant State’s Attorney Jamie Santini said.
When Welch told the man he’d come over to collect the debt that day, the man told Welch to come over to his house in 8000 block of South Dante Avenue. He told Welch he should come alone, Santini said.
The man who was to meet with Welch got a handgun and went to the side door of his house when he saw the three approaching, Santini said.
He asked Welch why he had come with the other two when he clearly stated he didn’t want anyone else there.
That’s allegedly when Taylor pulled out a gun and started shooting at the man through the door. The man was struck in the neck and fell to the ground. He was able to pull his 9mm handgun and return fire, Santini said.
A bullet hit 28-year-old Walker. Taylor was also shot in the arm.
Taylor, Walker and Welch were able to run away and flee in a car, Santini said. The driver of the car took the men to Jackson Park Hospital. Their rival was also taken to Jackson Park Hospital by a friend, Santini said.
Witnesses said they saw Welch and Taylor in the Avalon Park street where the bullets were fired, Santini said.
Taylor, 21, was taken into custody at Jackson Park Hospital. He is awaiting trial.
Authorities had learned that Welch had fled out of state and issued a warrant for his arrest.
He was arrested in Houston and extradited to Chicago on Monday.
Welch allegedly admitted to others that when he went to his rival’s house, he, Taylor and Walker went there to do a “lick” or a robbery.
The plan was to rob the victim of cannabis and cash, Santini said. Welch told others he knew Taylor had a gun, Santini said.