EPD: Man Arrested in Howard St. Homicide Case

Evanston police have arrested a man in connection with a recent incident in which a man was beaten and robbed and later died of his injuries.

(Earlier: )

Police have arrested 26-year-old Brandon Lee Allen Hinton of Hazel Crest and charged with him one felony count of first degree murder and a felony count of aggravated robbery.

Police initially said that there was an additional person of interest in the case, but said Wednesday that the second person "did not develop as a suspect at this time."

A mix of surveillance footage and interviews helped police connect Hinton to the case, they said. They said Hinton was walking on the 500 block of Howard at 5:20 a.m.on Sept. 2 when he allegedly physically attacked John Costulas, who was also walking down the street.

Police said Hinton violently struck Costulas in the head, causing him to collapse and fall to the ground.

"Then Hinton obtained 10 dollars from Mr. Costulas' pants pocket. Once obtaining this small sum of money, Hinton walked away from Mr. Costulas, leaving him bleeding and unconscious," police said.

Costulas died of his injuries on Sept. 10.

A court date has been set for Oct. 14.