Docs: Cane-wielding suspect charged in 9-year-old’s death was chasing man after robbery

CHICAGO — The cane-wielding suspect charged in connection with 9-year-old Elijah Flores’ death was chasing a 22-year-old, who was with the boy, following a robbery, documents state.

Flores was on a CTA Green Line train along with his mother’s boyfriend, a 22-year-old man, on Aug. 10.

Michael Korosa, 52, a convicted prison escapee, was on train with someone else. Documents state as the train came into the Clinton station, the 22-year-old allegedly took money from the person Korosa was with on the train.

The 22-year-old ran away with the money with Flores following behind him, documents state.

The 22-year-old grabbed Flores, who had autism, and dragged him to “make good on his escape,” according to documents.

Flores was picked up by his mother’s boyfriend as the two approached a stairwell and the 22-year-old began running down the stairs. Behind were Korosa and the alleged robbery victim running after him, documents state.

Korosa allegedly struck the 22-year-old man with his cane on his head and back. Flores was dropped as the 22-year-old fell down the staircase. The boy hit his head on the stairs and the 22-year-old fell on top of him, documents state.

Korosa and the alleged robbery victim demanded the 22-year-old to give the money back and the money reportedly was thrown down the stairs.

The 22-year-old told a person filming the incident on a cell phone not to call anyone and that the boy was okay, according to documents.

Flores was picked up by the 22-year-old and the two reportedly boarded a train. On the train, Flores stopped moving and a passenger called 911 after observing his condition, documents state.

The boy was transported to Lurie Children’s Hospital from the train in critical condition and the 22-year-old did not go to the hospital with him, documents state. Flores died six days later from his injuries.

Korosa was identified from a CPD bulletin containing surveillance images. He was placed under arrest on Saturday and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

A judge released Korosa on electronic monitoring. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday.

Korosa has 18 convictions dating back to 1997, including a prison escape conviction in 2013.

Flores’ mother told WGN News he loved karaoke, ladybugs and arts and crafts. She called him “a hero” and said his eyes, heart, liver and lungs will be donated to help save others.

A GoFundMe has raised nearly $30,000 at this time.