Bodycam footage from an injured Chicago police officer captured the moment before a killer opened fire on two cops Saturday, as prosecutors revealed new details about the shooting that left Officer Ella French dead and her partner fighting for his life.

A still frame of the South Side traffic stop obtained by ABC 7 Chicago showed French shining her flashlight into the car where suspected gunman Emonte Morgan, 21, was sitting in the back seat.

French asked Emonte and his brother, driver Eric Morgan, 22, to get out of the car. The brothers initially complied but then Emonte, known as Monty, became uncooperative, prosecutors alleged.

“He began physically jerking his arms away from the officers,” Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said at a Tuesday bond hearing.

Monty then opened fire as Eric ran off, killing French and injuring her unidentified partner, who remained in the hospital with three bullet wounds, according to Murphy.

Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed on August 7, 2021. Police have since apprehended the two brothers responsible for the crime.
Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed on August 7, 2021. Police have since apprehended the two brothers responsible for the crime.

“They didn’t have their weapons drawn, they weren’t firing on him, and callously (Morgan) shoots and kills one, and the other is in critical condition,” Cook County Judge Arthur Willis said.

A third cop had chased after Eric, but returned when he heard gunfire and shot Monty, who passed the gun off to his brother to hide, Brown said.

Monty confessed to the murder, and was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Eric was facing weapons and obstruction charges, prosecutors said.

A third passenger was not charged and her face was blurred in the footage by the local station.

Both suspects were felons on probation, but French and her partner had only pulled the car over because it had expired registration tags.

The Morgan brothers were ordered held without bond Tuesday; Emonte did not appear in court, as he remains hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

Flags across Chicago were flying at half-staff in honor of the 29-year-old officer, who was remembered as “courageous” and “spontaneous,” according to the ABC affiliate’s report.

“She was an amazing person to be around,” Officer Erica Hernandez reportedly said, fighting tears.

“I’m asking Chicago to wrap their arms around our police officers today and encourage them to continue their great work in protecting us all,” Superintendent David Brown said, according to the article.

French is the first female officer to be killed in The Windy City since 1988, and the first cop to be murdered under Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s tenure.

“A mother lost her daughter last night,” the Democrat reportedly said. “A brother, his sister. A family, forever shattered. Another continues to keep vigil at a hospital bed, sending up powerful prayers but no doubt fearing the worst.”

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