Emonte Morgan, convicted of murdering CPD Ofc. Ella French sentenced to life without parole

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The man convicted of murdering Chicago Police Officer Ella French and wounding her partner has been sentenced to prison for two natural life sentences.

Emonte Morgan is not eligible for parole. He was sentenced to an additional 50 years for the attempted murder of Officer Joshua Blas and an additional seven years for unlawful use of a weapon.

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Morgan was convicted in the 2021 murder of Chicago police Officer Ella French and wounding of her partner, Carlos Yañez Jr.

"I don't think it's justice. I'm not going to get closure. I'm affected for the rest of my life," Yañez Jr. said after sentencing.

"This was a just end for an incredibly heartbreaking time for our city," said Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx.

Prosecutors say Morgan shot the officers after they stopped his vehicle for having expired plates.

A jury in March convicted Morgan on all counts, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Morgan's attorneys argued he fired his gun during a struggle with Yañez, and did not intend to kill French. The state disputes that, saying Morgan's gun was fired six times, not in an accidental manner.

The sentencing ends a three-year legal ordeal for the officers involved in the traffic stop and their families.

French's mother and Yañez walked into the courthouse together Wednesday morning, hand-in-hand, as they've done for all previous court hearings. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling was also in attendance.

Yañez and French's other partners shared victim impact statements.

"I thought there would be more time," said Officer Joshua Blas. "That's something I always regret."

Yañez, who was shot five times including four in the head, told the judge about his permanent injuries.

"I feel like it was just yesterday I was fighting for my life, and every day since fighting for a sense of normalcy," he said.

He also addressed Morgan directly, saying, "I will never forgive you for what you did that night."

During comments from Yañez's father, there were heated, expletive-laced outbursts; an exchange between Yañez Sr. and Evaleena Flores, Morgan's mother. Flores was escorted out of the courtroom by officers, but was allowed back in later.

Flores has claimed her son is innocent.

The last victim impact statement was from French's mother, who tearfully told the judge, "I lost my daughter, my baby girl. All I have left is memories. I am filled with intense sadness. My stomach in a knot. And tears run down my face."

Looking at Morgan, she acknowledged his abusive childhood but told him, "I hope that you come to understand how precious every life is and how wrong it was to take my daughter away from me."

Morgan was present in court for his sentencing. He spoke on his own behalf, contending the traffic stop shouldn't have happened in the first place.

"My heart goes out to the family. There was no intent to murder. Ella French was not murdered, she had an accidental death," he said.

His mother also addressed the court, alleging the case was flawed.

As the judge handed down the sentence, she told a stoic Morgan in court, "Your actions turned this into what it is today."

Emonte's brother Eric Morgan is already serving a seven year prison sentence in this case after pleading guilty to lesser charges.