Lenier Clayton Obituary, Death; – A man has been charged with murder following a fatal road rage incident that occurred earlier this week on Interstate 80 near New Lenox, located in the southwest suburbs. Phillip E. Rogers, aged 45, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the shooting death of 30-year-old Lenier Clayton, as reported by the Illinois State Police.
According to authorities, Clayton was returning home from work around 5:30 p.m. on Monday when he became a victim of a road rage confrontation in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80, near the exit for Interstate 355.
Investigators revealed that an argument ensued between Clayton and another driver. When both individuals exited their vehicles to assess the situation, the other driver brandished a firearm and opened fire.
Clayton was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m., as confirmed by the Will County Coroner’s Office. Rogers was subsequently identified as the shooter and taken into custody.
Clayton’s mother expressed that Thanksgiving was her son’s favorite holiday, and this year, his family will experience a significant absence during the festivities—a sentiment that will linger for years to come.
A video provided by the Clayton family captures him joyfully dancing, a memory his mother, Lenora, cherishes as a representation of her only son. “He was the life of the party,” she remarked. “He had a great sense of humor—an exceptional young man.”
Despite the tragedy, Clayton’s mother stated that she will not allow hatred to take root in her heart towards the individual accused of her son’s murder. However, she intends to attend every court hearing to ensure that justice is achieved.
