Grandmother Arrested In Murder Plot With Grandson

A Chicago grandmother has been arrested for plotting with her grandson to murder her husband. Last month, 72-year-old William Strickland was gunned down outside his home, the victim of what police now believe was a murder plot constructed by his wife and grandson.

Authorities have charged 64-year-old Janet Strickland with one count each of first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm. Her 19-year-old grandson, also named William Strickland, was arrested last month on suspicion that he fired the six shots that claimed his grandfather’s life.

The fatal shooting occurred in the early morning hours of March 2 in front of the Chicago home Strickland shared with his wife and grandson. While waiting for a ride to a scheduled medical appointment, Strickland was fatally shot in the back six times.

As previously reported in The Inquisitr, police initially believed that William Strickland was killed by two armed gunmen during the course of a robbery. However, police soon arrested his grandson for pulling the trigger.

The teenager allegedly confessed to police that he was responsible for the killing. According to a statement by police following the arrest, “Strickland admitted in court to stealing his grandfather’s gun and committing the crime with that gun.”

Now authorities believe that Janet Strickland commissioned her grandson to carry out the murder because she was “sick” of her husband.

“[They] discussed on numerous occasions killing the victim,” explained Assistant State’s Attorney Jacqueline Kwilos during the the grandmother’s bond hearing on Saturday. “[Janet Strickland] stated numerous times to her grandson that she was sick of his grandfather and that she wanted her husband dead. She stated she wished he was not here and she wanted him gone.”

Prosecutors allege that grandmother and grandson went on a shopping spree, draining the victim’s finances, once their murder plot had been executed. Janet Strickland allegedly bought furnishings for her home, while her grandson purchased gym shoes, a cell phone, and tattoos. Authorities also believe that Janet Strickland purchased a car for her grandson as payment for the vicious killing.

On Saturday, a judge set Janet Strickland’s bail at $500,000. Her grandson is currently being held without bail pending trial. Although the grandmother has been arrested, she did not attend her bond hearing due to poor health. She is currently being detained at a local hospital, receiving medical treatment for high blood pressure and lung disease.

[Top image via Shutterstock]