Lake County State’s Attorney Comments on Police Homicide in Zion

While Baltimore undergoes choas, Zion waits in the wings.

Lake County State’s Attorney Michael G. Nerheim released the following statement:

A Statement from the Lake County State’s Attorney

Earlier today, Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd released the autopsy results in the investigation into the death of Justus Howell.

A “homicide” includes any killing of a human being by another human being.

That this case is a “homicide” is clear and the Coroner’s finding was expected.

The question that remains is whether this is a justifiable homicide.

This determination hinges on a complete evaluation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

For those purposes, an independent investigation is necessary.

This case is not being investigated by the Zion Police Department.

The Lake County Major Crimes Taskforce (LCMCTF) is conducting this investigation and we have also sought an additional independent review by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Once the LCMCTF and the FBI have concluded the investigation, all of the facts and evidence will be reviewed to determine whether or not criminal charges are warranted.

We are committed to a complete, thorough, and prompt investigation- in that order.

I understand the public’s desire for information in this case, but that has to be balanced with our mission to protect the integrity of the investigation.

I call on the entire community to respect the investigative process, the family of Justus Howell, and the Officer involved and not to pre-judge this situation without having any facts.

The investigation remains ongoing and active.

The LCMCTF has sought video enhancement from outside agencies as well as the use of other outside experts for additional independent review.

I have been advised that the investigation should be concluded within approximately two weeks.

Once the investigation is complete, I will make a determination based solely on the facts and the law and will release the information that resulted in that decision to the public.


Comments

Lake County State’s Attorney Comments on Police Homicide in Zion — 1 Comment

  1. When the sheepdog starts killing the sheep he is forever more a sheep killer and cannot be trusted.

    Most shepherds have the wisdom to put those sheepdogs down.

    The shepherd then takes up watch over his sheep without help until a properly bred and vetted new dog may be found and trained.

    The wolves may circle and growl but no one is more qualified or daring in the defense of their sheep than the shepherd himself and if he must kill the wolves without help it is better than having to guard against enemies both outside the fence and inside.

    Those who tear at the underbelly of our nation are now on both sides of the fence.

    It is time to cull the bad sheepdogs from the good and make certain of the breeding of any more we allow near the sheep.

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