Harvey man, woman charged in woman’s murder in Worth

By Bob Bong 

A man and woman from Harvey have been charged in the murder Saturday afternoon of a woman at an ATM in the 6800 block of West 111^th Street in Worth.

Tamara Jailynn Johnson, 22, and Jason Jerry Joseph Johnson, 23, were each charged Tuesday with first-degree murder. They were to appear in bond court on Wednesday at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

Tamara Jailynn Johnson

“Now that charges have been approved, we will be able to provide more details,” Worth Mayor Mary Werner said. “I know some residents are upset more details haven’t come out, but we had to wait.”

Werner said the two suspects were arrested Sunday “about three hours after we were able to identify them.”

The victim has been identified as Jonnie Angel Klein, 31, of Blue Island, a mother of two. She would have turned 32 in December. She leaves a 15-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter.

According to family members, Klein had stopped at a Chase Bank ATM about 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon after dropping off her son at his new job when a vehicle with the suspects pulled up and they attempted to rob her. She was shot once in the chest.

Jason Jerry Joseph Johnson

Worth police and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force began investigating the shooting.

“Police were able to identify them within 24 hours of the incident,” Werner said. “Three hours later they were in custody.”

Werner said the two suspects have been linked to several other armed robberies in the south suburbs and northwest Indiana. Multiple firearms were allegedly recovered including one believed to be the weapon used to kill Klein. That weapon is undergoing ballistics tests.

Family members told WGN News that Klein had just finished a shift at Dunkin Donuts in the village when she was killed.

“She dropped him off and she went straight to the bank. At that time, we know that someone pulled up next to her,” Bridget McLain, the victim’s sister-in-law, told WGN. “Obviously it was an attempt to get her money and she was shot.”

“They’re murderers and they need to be put to justice and I just, I can’t believe the tragedy, the devastation that they have put in my family’s life,” the victim’s brother, Derek Klein, told WGN.

According to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for funeral costs, “Many of us received the devastating news that our beloved Jonnie Angel, was tragically killed on 11/04/2023. Jonnie was a devoted single mother to Jeremy, 15, and McKayla, 10, and a loving caretaker for her Mom. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family without complaint. She was a kind, caring, humble, loving family member (mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin), a friend to many, a dedicated worker, a provider for those in need, and an amazing human being all round. She faced many battles head on, she was a warrior that never gave up. Through her positive presence and servant attitude she shone Gods light into so many people lives without even knowing it! Although He called her home earlier than we can understand, she was able to touch so many lives and her love will live on in our hearts and through her children. Rest in Peace.”

The fund had raised more than $46,000 toward a goal of $12,000, as of Tuesday afternoon. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jonnie-angel-klein

According to Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, Klein was the devoted mother of Jeremy Joseph (father Will) Morain, and McKayla Rose (father Steven) Knock. Beloved daughter of Sandy Klein and Dale Dalson. Loving sister of Derek A. (Bridgette) Klein. Proud aunt of Charvelle, Elena, Austin, and Finn. Preceded in death by Uncle Bink & Baby Westyn.

Services will be held Saturday November 11, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home, 5570 W. 95th St. Interment private. Visitation Saturday from 3-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the children would be greatly appreciated.