Overview

• Kristina Romandine, 33, was found fatally shot in her West Loop apartment on January 1, with a .380-caliber cartridge casing recovered at the scene.
• Johnnie Matthews, 42, who lived on a different floor in the same building, was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a felon.
• Authorities say Matthews admitted to involvement in the shooting during questioning and was seen on surveillance footage discarding a backpack containing a loaded .380-caliber handgun matching evidence at the scene.
• Romandine had recently moved to Chicago from Alabama to find better work, escape past struggles with addiction, and support her four children, whom she called nightly to pray with.
• A Cook County judge ordered Matthews detained without bail, citing his criminal history and potential danger to the community; his next court appearance is scheduled for January 7.