Chicago Domestic Violence Victim Murdered By Abuser

 Posted on May 21, 2018 in Domestic Abuse

A 31-year-old Chicago resident is dead after being shot in the head by an ex-boyfriend. This gruesome murder did not come out of the blue. The woman had allegedly made 10 reports about her former partner’s aggressive and threatening behavior before she was killed. This tragic event has led to many questioning the Chicago Police Department’s ability to protect victims of domestic violence from future abuse.

Victim Sought First Order of Protection in 2013

According to reports, after the now-deceased woman and her boyfriend broke up, he started demonstrating the violent and intimidating behavior. When the victim became afraid for her safety, she sought an emergency protective order (EPO) in 2013. EPOs are available to any individual who feels their safety is in jeopardy and can be obtained at a county courthouse. Someone seeking an EPO, called the petitioner, does not need to have physical evidence of the abuse. The alleged abuser, called the respondent, does not need to be present in order for an EPO to be granted. This temporary measure lasts 14 to 21 days.

When a person files for an EPO, a hearing will be set for a longer-lasting protection order called a plenary order of protection. An emergency protection order, sometimes colloquially called a restraining order, can include provisions which require the purported abuser to stay away from the petitioner and his or her family. If the respondent violates the order by coming to the victim’s residence, work, or school, the petitioner can call the police and have the respondent arrested.

Victim’s Family Say Woman Told Police About Continued Harassment

In this case, the woman did call the police when her ex-boyfriend violated the terms of her emergency order of protection. He was consequently arrested and spent five days in jail. Unfortunately, spending time in jail did not deter him. Family members say that when the ex-boyfriend continued to threaten, harass, and stalk the woman that she reported the incidents to the police. Police records show that she did not report the most recent protective order violations. If the man had been caught violating the protection order for the second time, he would have been charged with a second offense of violating an order of protection. This is considered a serious crime and can be charged as a Class 4 felony offense. This crime is punishable by 1-3 years in jail and fines up to $25,000.

If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence, Do Not Wait to Get Help

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. If you are scared for you or your children’s safety, do not hesitate to seek help. The experienced Rolling Meadows domestic violence attorneys at the Cosley Law Office can assist you in each step of the protection order process. To schedule your free initial consultation, call 847-253-3100 today.

Sources:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/shaquita-bennett-murder-case-shows-court-systems-hurdles-victims-domestic-violence/

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K12-3.4