Chicago police say that Diamontae Lee Kellum had just gotten through choking his girlfriend when another man approached her to render aid. Kellum became irate with the man, threw a bicycle at his head, and beat him unconscious, according to police. Kellum has been charged with several felonies, including attempted murder.
Police were called to the scene at around 8:00 pm when they found a man unconscious in the street. The victim had a large laceration on his head. He was treated at the hospital for a brain bleed and told police he could notremember what happened.
Why You Should Not be a Hero
Kellum had just gotten done assaulting his girlfriend, according to the police, and when another man approached attempting to console her, he was still jacked up from the initial assault. The victim sustained a severe beating. After Kellum exited the house he made short work of the Good Samaritan, knocking him unconscious, stomping on his head while he was still on the ground, and then throwing the victim’s bike at him and leaving a large gash.
Kellum and his girlfriend were in an altercation prior to the assault. The girlfriend said that she was going to leave and Kellum prevented her from doing that, at one point, taking away her keys. In the process, he choked her. The Good Samaritan rides by on his bike and sees a woman crying. He attempts to render aid when Kellum comes out of the house confronts him and beats him to within an inch of his life. The concussion and brain damage could have lasting effects for the rest of his life.
Charges Against Kellum
Kellum is facing a litany of charges. In no particular order:
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated battery
- Battery by means of a deadly weapon
- Battery resulting in serious bodily injury
- Criminal confinement
- Strangulation
- Domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury
- Domestic battery
- Interference with the reporting of a crime
In other words, Kellum may spend the rest of his life behind bars because of this single incident. The attack on the Good Samaritan was enough to end his life. According to the girlfriend, who is likely to testify against Kellum and has already provided police with enough information to justify these charges, Kellum stomped on the man’s head several times and then used a bicycle to hurt him some more. A jury will be able to see the value of an attempted murder charge.
In addition to the charges stemming from the assault on the Good Samaritan, Kellum will also face charges relating to the assault on his girlfriend.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Chicago, call David Freidberg—a criminal defense attorney who understands that most situations are more complicated than they appear. Call us at (312) 560-7100 to discuss your situation and allow us to begin building your defense immediately.