- Credibility:
COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT — Less than three weeks after being denied bail in the fatal stabbing of a Pilsen barista at a River West bar, a murder suspect was granted bail by a Cook County Judge —despite an objection from prosecutors.
Thomas Tansey, charged with first-degree murder in the Feb. 21 slaying of Kenneth Paterimos at Richard’s Bar, was granted a $250,000 bond by Judge John F. Lyke Jr. Tansey needs to pay $25,000 to be released.
Judge John F. Lyke Jr. ordered Tansey wear an ankle monitor and “comply with special conditions of his bail,” according to the Tribune.
“Over our objection and request that the defendant remain held in custody without bond, today the court set bail at $250,000,” Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said.
Tansey’s attorney, Sam Amirante, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Tansey was still in Cook County Sheriff’s Department custody as of 4 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
Earlier this month, prosecutors painted a picture of a bar fight that spilled outside the bar, 491 N. Milwaukee Ave., resulting in a confused series of events and the eventual death of Paterimos, who died from a slashed artery after being stabbed eight times.
Prosecutors said Tansey, who was “severely intoxicated,” was at the bar when he and Paterimos got into a fight, fell to the floor and had to be separated. Witnesses were unclear on who started the fight, prosecutors said.
Following the stabbing, Paterimos’ brother, Santiago “Julian” Bueno, stopped Tansey and disarmed him until police arrived. Officers found a blood-covered knife where witnesses said Tansey had left it, prosecutors said.
Paterimos was taken to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead. He was stabbed in the back of his head, his right ear, the middle of his back, his right clavicle and his right arm — which severed an artery and turned out to be the fatal wound.
A friend of Paterimos who had come outside with him was also stabbed. He has no memory of what happened outside the bar, prosecutors said.
During the March 5 hearing, Judge Charles Beach ordered Tansey be held without bail. While Tansey claimed self-defense, Beach said the wounds did not suggest mutual combat.
Amirante previously told reporters his client acted in self defense.
Tansey is scheduled back in court on April 2.
RELATED COVERAGE
Man Accused In Richard’s Bar Stabbing Of Kenny Paterimos Arrested, Due In Court Thursday
Ex-Marine Wanted On Murder Charge In Richard’s Bar Stabbing Has A Criminal Record, Remains At Large
Warrant Issued For Man Who Killed Pilsen Barista Outside Richard’s Bar, Police Say
‘Justice For Kenny’ Protest Planned Outside Richard’s Bar, Where Barista Was Stabbed To Death
Homophobic Slur Yelled At Stabbing Victim Before He Was Attacked At Richard’s Bar, Police Say
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