MATTESON, Ill. – A young mother and her two children were injured in a harrowing incident in south suburban Matteson, where they tried to fend off an alleged domestic abuser on May 18.
Matteson police announced a nationwide manhunt this week for the suspect, Lander D. Coleman, 43. The mother remains hospitalized after sustaining seven gunshot wounds. Her family is deeply concerned for their safety and believes Coleman poses a significant threat to the public.
Photos from the crime scene reveal a chilling aftermath, with blood and bullet holes scattered throughout the home, including on a school photo and children’s toys. A bullet casing was also found at the scene.
Steven Booth, the father of one of the children, recounted the terrifying experience. His 12-year-old son, who was playing video games in his room, heard gunshots and his mother’s screams. The boy bravely attempted to intervene by jumping on Coleman’s back but was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the leg.
The mother, who had been sleeping with her two youngest children, was shot seven times. Coleman, who is the father of the children, allegedly carried out the attack while the children witnessed the violence. The family shared their story in hopes of aiding the police in capturing Coleman, who has an outstanding arrest warrant.
Booth described the chaos that ensued as his son tried to stop the bleeding and hide, only to hear more gunshots. His 23-year-old sister, who had been sleeping on a couch, was also shot and beaten. Surveillance footage later captured Coleman leaving the house with what appeared to be a gun in his hand.
The attack occurred around 1 a.m., and it is believed that Coleman entered the house through an open garage door left ajar after a prom party. The family suspects he hid in a storage room until the party ended before launching his attack.
Ngozi Harris, the victim’s cousin, expressed her shock and fear for her family’s safety, emphasizing the urgency of bringing Coleman to justice. Matteson police are collaborating with state and federal law enforcement to apprehend Coleman. All three victims are recovering from their injuries, and the mother had an order of protection against Coleman since March.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Matteson Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 708-503-3130. For those experiencing domestic violence, resources are available through the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.