Chicago Incident: Ex-Marine John Conway Charged with Murdering Wheaton Resident Alexander Nesteruk in Lincoln Park

Victim acted ‘erratically’ before being shot; firearms, map with college campuses circled found in suspect’s home, prosecutors say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Marine veteran has been indicted on a murder charge for allegedly shooting a suburban man. Witnesses and police described the man as acting “erratically” last month on a busy North Side street.

Authorities say 35-year-old John Conway of Chicago surrendered to police earlier this month following a community alert featuring surveillance images. Conway initially appeared before a judge on December 6.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Conway returned to court on Thursday, where he was officially indicted on a first-degree murder charge. He will continue to be held in custody until his arraignment scheduled for January 2.

Conway is a Marine veteran and has no criminal background, but prosecutors said earlier this month disturbing items were found inside his home. The items allegedly included multiple firearms, body armor, night vision goggles and a map of Illinois with college campuses circled.

The shooting happened before 4:30 p.m. on the day before Thanksgiving, near Clark Street and Fullerton Avenue. Police said the victim was acting erratically, harassing people and hitting cars in the area before he was allegedly shot by Conway.

The man later died from his injuries. He was identified to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Alexander Nesteruk of Wheaton.

Prosecutors said this video of the alleged gunman prompted numerous people to come forward to identify him. Conway lives close to the scene of the shooting.

In court December 6, it was revealed that police were called and removed Nesteruk from the area earlier in the day, but he returned and confronted Conway. In response, prosecutors say Conway pulled a gun from a holster, pointed it at the victim and fired at point blank range.

Conway’s public defender said in court that his client is a Marine who served overseas and was honorably discharged. According to the attorney, Conway also has a valid FOID card and a conceal-carry license. Nevertheless, the judge ruled that he be held in Cook County jail pending trial.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood