CPD Officers Michael Bernichio and Daniel Murphy were found not guilty of perjury and conspiracy to obstruct justice. My bet is that this acquittal won't get nearly the amount of media coverage that the original indictment did, much in the same way that lawsuits against the police don't get as much coverage when they're dismissed as when they're filed.
The case against the officers stemmed from their 2004 arrest of one Morris Wynn. Wynn's conviction was overturned by the Illinois Appellate Court in 2007, and 16 months later the Cook County State's Attorney indicted the two officers. The judge who acquitted the two officers said that prosecutors didn't even "come close" to proving their case.
Second City Cop has a good take on the story here.
Good news: 2 Chicago Police Officers found not guilty
Share
Recommended
Recent Posts
- So long, it's been good to know you: Arresting Tales signs off
- Happy Thanksgiving! Don't burn your garage down with a turkey fryer
- Mugshot of the week: dented head edition
- Crime reporting: vibrator-related arrests and crazy southern crime
- Mark Siebenmorgen: mugshot of the week. And a vibrator attack.
7 Comments
Skylers Dad said:
Yeah, I wonder why that is that the media never does come back and say "You know, we were all offbase on that story"...
irishpirate said:
The States Attorney's office needs a remedial class on the concept of "reasonable doubt".
There was more than that in this case.
There are times when prosecutors just need to not prosecute.
The resources that were wasted here and the hell these two cops and their families went through all because the Cook County States Attorney doesn't know what is a good case and what is BS.
More reason to end the drug war and treat drug use as a public health problem.
irishpirate said:
I should proofread before I hit "post comment".
The following sentence should get me charged with a crime against English usage:
"The resources that were wasted here and the hell these two cops and their families went through all because the Cook County States Attorney doesn't know what is a good case and what is BS."
Perhaps the Cook County States Attorney will find reason to charge me. What the hell. They apparently have plenty o resources for BS cases.
FGFM said:
I should proofread before I hit "post comment". [sic]
Indeed.
Joe the Cop said:
Heh. We've all been there. And I like your comment about ending "the drug war". We're an occupied country, anyway.
irishpirate said:
Well at least prosecutors are working to stop the grievous crime of 12 and 13 year old kids "sexting". Northwest Indiana must be like the idyllic land of "A Christmas Story".
http://www.theagitator.com/2010/01/29/ruining-kids-in-order-to-save-them-ctd/
Which will hopefully prevent tribal wars breaking out in America.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/27/2802857.htm
I hate it when neighboring tribes come after me with bows and arrows because I flirted with one of their women.
Joe the Cop said:
Don't forget zip guns. I think some of the tribesmen actually had homemade guns too.
Your point about the sexting is well-taken. I'm sure there's some outraged parent who feels their precious snowflake of a child has been exploited who's driving this latest "sexting" lunacy.
Leave a Comment?
What your comment will look like:
said: