A refuted Latin King gang member was found not guilty Friday in a Kankakee County courtroom. James Atwood of Kankakee was facing an attempted murder rap for a drive-by shooting dating back to 2015.
The 34-year-old defendant is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence for dealing cocaine.

Atwood was charged with attempted murder for the drive-by on E. Duane Boulevard. Prosecutors tried to show Atwood’s involvement by playing an audio taped of him speaking with a police-informant where Atwood admitted firing a weapon at a van. Some of those rounds struck a nearby home where four people were inside --- two adults and two children. State’s Attorney Jim Rowe said in addition to the attempted murder, Atwood was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm by a street gang member.

Rowe said Atwood was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle involved. Two other defendants were in that vehicle. Jovan Saulsberry of Bourbonnais is yet to stand trial. Jesse Dorsett Jr of Kankakee had charges against him dropped. Both were listed as state witnesses in the case.

94.1 WGFA