Bond denied for suspect charged in shooting death of special ed teacher

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Bond was denied Thursday for the Chicago man charged with the fatal shooting of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy special education teacher Betty Howard.

Dominique Hodrick, 23,faces a felony murder charge, two felony counts of attempted murder and three felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm.

Betty Howard's family came to court Thursday to make sure Hodrick stays behind bars. The reputed gang member was charged with firing the bullet that killed the 58-year-old special education teacher. Prosecutors said he has a criminal history that goes back to 2009. In making his decision to hold the 23-year-old without bail, the judge said that Hodrick "poses a threat to everyone."

"If you can shoot a gun in broad daylight with no regard for anyone out there than absolutely he is a danger to society," said Kristal Long, victim's niece.

"I'm so happy they got him off the streets, where he won't be a threat to anyone else," said Major Howard, victim's husband.

Two weeks ago, Howard was working her second job at the Kale Realty office on 79th Street. Prosecutors say Hodrick was in a building across the street when he allegedly fired his gun multiple times at a car driven by a person Hodrick was having an ongoing dispute with. Prosecutors say Hodrick was caught on a surveillance camera.

"Video surveillance inside the building recorded the defendant looking out the front door, opening the front door and pulling out the handgun," said Glendon Runk, Cook County Assistant State's Attorney.

Prosecutors say Hodrick admitted shooting the gun.

"No level of justice can bring back a person that deserved and desired to live so much, she was a great person," said Major Howard.

And while the Howard family is relieved an arrest has been made, they can't believe it took two weeks to solve a crime that happened in broad daylight on a busy street.

"We have got to get rid of the whole no snitching policy and more towards taking our community back," said Long.

Two other people were also injured in the shooting.