Kidnapping Update: Family Of Chicago Kidnapping Victim And Responding Officer Speak Out
Family Of The Chicago Kidnapping Victim
The Chicago Kidnapping Victim’s Family Speak Out
Chicago – The family of a special-needs man who was kidnapped and brutally assaulted during a Live Stream on Facebook has spoken out about the horrific event. During an emotional press conference, the family stated that they are in a state of “disbelief” at the horrendous assault their loved one went through during the Chicago kidnapping. The 11th District Chicago police officer who found the man disoriented and bloodied after he escaped his attackers, has also released a statement which can be seen in the video below.
“Trying to stick together as a family,” their response to how they’re holding up as the family gathered to comment on the attack of their loved one. The press conference came after charges were filed on the four low-life thugs responsible for the attack on their special-needs family member. Charges have been filed with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office against three 18-year-olds–Jordan Hill, Tesfaye Cooper and Brittany Covinton (Herring)–as well as Tanishia Covington, 24. The charges include aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a hate crime, and aggravated unlawful restraint.
The visit had turned violent at some point in the van. After arriving at the apartment, the special-needs man was taunted and tortured for what went on for four to five hours, according to Duffin. Two videos surfaced after the incident. One video shows the man being forced to walk on all fours and forced to drink from a toilet bowl as he is slapped. The victim was then bound and his mouth taped shut as the attackers Live Streamed it and shouted “Fuck Donald Trump. Fuck White People,” at him. According to officials, the victim was able to escape only after a downstairs neighbor threatened to call the police about the noise around 5:30 PM. The attackers reportedly left the apartment to kick in the neighbor’s door when the victim escaped. Chicago police officer Michael Donnelly noticed the man walking around bloodied and disoriented and stopped to check on him.
Officer Donnelly released a statement on the circumstances and condition of the victim when he was found. “While at our call, we observed our victim. He was walking with Jordan Mills, at which time I observed him wearing a tank top, inside out backwards with jean shorts and sandals on. He was bloodied, he was battered and due to the cold weather conditions, I approached him for a field interview. At which time, after talking with him, he didn’t seem like he was, he was very discombobulated, he was injured, he was confused and at which time I called an ambulance.” The officer then left the victim with two other officers to continue the investigation, at which time they were able to conclude that he was a missing and endangered suburban man. There have been reports that text messages were sent by the attackers to the man’s family making demands but Duffin declined to confirm those.
The victim was taken to an area hospital and after taking most of the night to calm down was able to assist police in what happened. He has since been released to his family and is still recovering from his injuries. Initial reports stated the man to be from nearby Crystal Lake. However, it has since been learned that his family is reported to live in Streamwood, the same area the man went missing from.
White House Press Secretary Josh Ernest was questioned about his opinion on whether this rises to the level of a hate crime. His response, after admitting to seeing coverage of the incident, in which “Fuck white people!” was chanted at the man as he sat bound in the corner, was “that it’s too early to tell.”
White House: Too early to say if #BLMKidnapping was a hate crime. Give me strength. pic.twitter.com/hDKNg3Ec3k
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) January 5, 2017
According to Commander Duffin, hate crime charges were brought forth due to the victim’s diminished mental capacity, the racial comments by the suspects and the fact that the victim was tied up. We hope that proper charges and proper coverage will continue on this vicious attack.
According to Fox News suspects Hill and Covington both have a criminal history. Jordan Hilll was arrested in 2015 on allegations of armed robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and residential burglary. Tunisia Covington, the sister of Brittany Covington (Herring) who Live streamed the incident, was arrested in 2007 for attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery charges.
All four in custody had a bail hearing on Friday, January 6th in Cook County. Circuit Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil had harsh words for them. “Where was your sense of decency?,” she asked. Prosecutors offered new details of the incident and explained that one of the suspects demanded $300 from the mom of the victim for his return. “I find each of you a danger to yourself and society,” Judge Ciesil added. All four were denied bail.
Do you think these suspects could ever be rehabilitated, or should they be locked up forever? Let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments below.
Related Articles
