Feds charge two men with kidnapping DePaul student, holding him for ransom on terrifying Red Line ride

Federal Prosecutors Charge Two Men with Kidnapping DePaul University Student

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against two individuals accused of kidnapping a DePaul University student and subjecting him to a harrowing ordeal while riding the Red Line train in Chicago. The suspects, Ricky Willis, 18, and Keyonte Love, 20, were initially charged by state prosecutors in connection with the incident.

The incident took place on September 6 when Love and Willis boarded a southbound Red Line train at the Argyle station. The victim, a DePaul freshman, unknowingly entered their train car at the Fullerton stop near the university’s Lincoln Park campus.

Allegedly, Love and Willis threatened the student, seized control of his phone, and attempted to transfer money from his account. When these efforts failed, they resorted to demanding ransom from the victim’s family and friends. The student’s sister and roommate both sent money to the suspects, but the scheme hit a roadblock when they contacted the victim’s mother, who was unfamiliar with electronic payment methods.

As the train approached 63rd Street, Love and Willis forced the victim off the train, took him to an alley, and issued threats while photographing his identification. They instructed the student to make weekly payments under the threat of death.

Willis allegedly menaced the victim, stating, “I will kill you. This is life or death. I have a switch,” referring to an illegal firearm modification. Despite the threats, the victim did not make further payments, but he continued to receive menacing calls from the suspects.

Following the incident, Chicago police released surveillance images of Love and Willis, leading to their identification by a tipster. Willis confessed to his involvement when interviewed by detectives, and Love surrendered shortly afterward.

Federal Indictment and Regional Transit Crime Task Force

A federal grand jury has indicted Love and Willis on charges of kidnapping and interference with commerce by threat or violence. The state charges against them are still pending.

These developments come in the wake of Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke’s announcement of a regional transit crime task force aimed at addressing violent incidents on public transportation, particularly CTA trains. The task force coordinates efforts between federal, county, city, and transit authorities to combat serious crimes on public transit systems.

This initiative mirrors a firearms task force led by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which reviews gun-related arrests and prosecutes cases collaboratively. The goal is to enhance public safety and prosecute offenders effectively.

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