Evans' purchases in late 1997 included a .357-caliber revolver from Chuck's Gun Shop in Riverdale. According to court records, Evans gave the gun to another man, who sold it to a fellow Gangster Disciple gang member. Authorities say the gun was used to kill Ceriale while he was on drug-surveillance duty at the Robert Taylor Homes in August 1998. The U.S. attorney's office stepped in and charged him under federal statutes. A Cook County Circuit Court jury deadlocked Feb. 8 at Tolliver's trial.
Prosecutors plan a retrial on the murder charge.
The jury did convict Tolliver of possession of drugs with intent to distribute but acquitted him of two narcotics conspiracy charges.