BY ERIC HERMAN Criminal Courts Reporter for the Sun Times

More than a year after the son of a Niles jewelry and coin dealer was shot dead in the dealer’s home, prosecutors have charged a Chicago man with the crime.

Frank Limardo, 25, faces first-degree murder and home-invasion charges in the slaying of Michael Childers, 28, during a robbery attempt on Feb. 21, 2007.

“We expect the evidence to show it was a home invasion, and that during the course of the struggle the victim was shot three times,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Diann Sheridan.

At a hearing Thursday, Judge Consuelo Bedoya-Witt set Limardo’s bond at $2 million.

Prosecutors say Limardo, of the 5700 block of West Wellington, went to the home of Leonard Bird — Childers’ father — armed with a handgun. During a struggle between Limbardo and Childers, Bird heard a voice yell, “Where’s the safe?” Sheridan said.

Limardo then allegedly fled to a van waiting in a cul de sac, where another person drove him away. A witness identified the van, Sheridan said. Read Full Sun Times Article