Family of man killed by Will County sheriff’s lieutenant feels ‘profound injustice’

The family of a hostage taker who was killed by a Will County sheriff’s lieutenant in 2022 said they feel a “sense of profound injustice” after learning the lieutenant won’t face charges.

Attorneys for the family of Gregory Walker, 65, of Crest Hill, issued a statement on Tuesday following a decision by a Will County special grand jury to not approve charges against Lt. John Allen.

A special grand jury in Will County found there was no probable cause of a criminal offense for Allen, according to a court filing from Peter Wilkes, chief of the criminal division at Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s Office.

The grand jury was impaneled last fall and concluded their session Jan. 24.

Walker was shot by Allen after he took hostages at a bank but then released them and surrendered to police.

The grand jury’s decision was based on evidence presented by prosecutors.

“[On Monday], the family of Gregory was forced to face the deeply painful reality that the officer responsible for Gregory’s death will not face criminal charges. This decision leaves us all with heavy hearts and a sense of profound injustice,” according to a statement provided by attorney Ian Barney.

Barney is with the law firm Barney Hammond in Chicago. The firm, along with Romanucci and Blandin in Chicago, are pursuing a federal lawsuit against Allen that claims he wrongfully killed Walker.

The attorney’s statement said the family believes in “accountability and the fundamental principle that every life has value.”

“The loss of Gregory is a reminder of the urgent need for meaningful change in how communities are policed, how decisions to hold responsible parties accountable are made, and how justice is sought. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one under such circumstances,” the statement said.

Barney’s statement said Walker’s family said they will honor his memory by “seeking justice in his civil case and will continue to fight for reforms that will lead to lasting change and true justice, not just for Gregory’s family, but for others who face similar tragedies.”