Results tagged “policetorture”

Two men, Ronald Kitchen and Marvin Reeves, have been freed by a judge who ruled in favor of their claims they were wrongfully convicted on the basis of false confessions that were beaten out of them as a result of torture during the tenure of former police commander Jon Burge. The two were convicted in the 1988 quintuple murder of two women and three children. The Illinois Attorney General's office backed the mens' request for release. [WBBM]

28th Ward Alderman Ed Smith cautioned State Attorney General Lisa Madigan that if she walks away from the Jon Burge torture cases that allegedly took place at Area Two Headquarters in the early 80's she'll face a backlash that could have consequences on any campaign she launches for Governor, U.S. Senate, state supreme court, or even re-election. Madigan's office has been handling the Burge cases since 2003, when Chief Criminal Court Judge Paul Biebel found that then-State's Attorney Richard Devine had a conflict of interest because Devine once represented Burge. Madigan has asked that five of the 25 cases she's currently handling be shifted back to the state's attorney office. "If this is shifted back, it's gonna get lost in the cracks, put on the back burner and nothing will happen. Those people who are in jail will remain in jail. I want her to follow these cases to fruition and make sure that justice is served from her office" Smith said. "Our community is still upset about these cases. It could give the impression that she just wants to walk away and let it go. It could be an adversity if she ran again."

New controversy has erupted in the case of former police Cmdr. Jon Burge as the Fraternal Order of Police has announced they will pay for Burge's defense, a bill the Trib speculates could reach as much as $1 million. Burge was charged in October with perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with charges of police torture.

FOP President Mark Donahue confirmed that the union board voted Tuesday to provide funds for Burge's defense. But Donahue declined to comment further Thursday, saying he would have a more complete statement on the issue Friday.

Continue reading "Burge Defense to Be Paid By F.O.P."

Mayor Daley yesterday did what he does best: ruffle feathers. MayDay got all sassy in terms of offering an apology to torture victims in the Burge case. Well, late yesterday afternoon, the Mayor's spokesperson issued something of an apology for the "apology."

Mayor Daley has, on more than one occasion, expressed regret for what were clearly horrific acts and a regrettable time in our city's history. His remarks today were by no means aimed at the alleged victims or their families but merely reflect his frustration that certain key points of the case are routinely lost in the media, namely, the fact that it wasn't until Mayor Daley became mayor that Jon Burge was fired.

Nevermind Daley was state's attorney when the whole thing went down and that Daley was actually told about it then. Nope, nothing to see here. Not his fault. Move along. Hey, look, everybody! Is that Obama?