61-year-old Georgia man charged in fatal Austin shooting: police

Donnell Simmons arrested and extradited from Georgia for August 2025 murder

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 61-year-old Georgia man, Donnell Simmons of Lithonia, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man in Chicago's Austin neighborhood last summer. Police say Simmons was identified as the second shooter in the August 17, 2025 incident and was arrested on Friday, extradited from Georgia, and is due in court on Sunday for his next hearing.

Why it matters

Gun violence and homicides remain a major concern in Chicago, with the city experiencing high rates of shootings and murders in recent years. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and apprehend suspects involved in violent crimes in the city's neighborhoods.

The details

According to police, Donnell Simmons, 61, of Lithonia, Georgia, has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder. He was arrested on Friday in the 10000 block of W. Ohare Street after being extradited from Georgia to Chicago. Simmons was identified as the second person who fatally shot a 28-year-old man in the 4900 block of W. Adams St. on August 17, 2025 around 11:37 a.m.

  • On August 17, 2025 around 11:37 a.m., the fatal shooting occurred in the 4900 block of W. Adams St.
  • On Friday, Donnell Simmons was arrested in the 10000 block of W. Ohare Street.

The players

Donnell Simmons

A 61-year-old man from Lithonia, Georgia who has been charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting in Chicago's Austin neighborhood in August 2025.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Simmons and charged him with the murder.

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What’s next

The suspect's next court date is scheduled for Sunday.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Chicago police to investigate and apprehend suspects involved in violent crimes in the city's neighborhoods, as gun violence and homicides remain a major concern.