Man Charged in Brutal Hammer Attack in Garfield Park

Prosecutors allege the suspect researched how to kill someone with a hammer before the fatal beating.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bloodied hammer against a stark, black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this violent crime.The brutal hammer attack that killed Davonta Curtis exposes the urgent need for better domestic violence prevention and intervention measures.Chicago Today

A 24-year-old Chicago man has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle in the brutal hammer attack that killed his on-and-off girlfriend Davonta Curtis, 31, in her Garfield Park apartment earlier this month. Prosecutors say the suspect, Deandre Bell, searched online for information on killing someone with a hammer before the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of domestic violence and the need for better resources and support systems to protect vulnerable individuals. The suspect's alleged online research also raises concerns about the accessibility of information that could be used to commit violent crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, Bell had been dating Curtis on and off. On April 5, Bell dropped off supplies for Easter at Curtis's sister's house. Around 1 a.m. on April 6, surveillance video captured Curtis leaving her apartment alone. When her family didn't hear from her, they went to her apartment on April 8 and found her body naked, partially covered by a sheet, and surrounded by a large pool of blood. Her car and keys were missing. Police later found Bell driving the stolen car and he admitted to hitting Curtis multiple times with a hammer. Detectives also found a hammer and screwdriver with blood in Bell's backpack, as well as online searches on his phone for 'how to kill someone with a hammer?' and 'if a person gets hit in the head with a hammer while sleeping what happens.'

  • On April 5, Bell dropped off supplies for Easter at Curtis's sister's house.
  • Around 1 a.m. on April 6, surveillance video captured Curtis leaving her apartment alone.
  • On April 8, Curtis's family found her body in her apartment.
  • Police found Bell driving Curtis's stolen car and he admitted to the attack.

The players

Deandre Bell

A 24-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle in the brutal hammer attack that killed his on-and-off girlfriend Davonta Curtis.

Davonta Curtis

A 31-year-old woman who was killed in a hammer attack in her Garfield Park apartment. She had been dating Deandre Bell on and off.

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What’s next

Bell is scheduled to appear in court again on April 29.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to the resources and support they need to stay safe. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of information that could be used to commit violent crimes and the need for greater oversight and regulation in this area.