Statement from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) on today’s dismissal of 1988 wrongful conviction of Brian Beals

CHICAGO - Today, in a significant step towards justice, a Cook County court granted a petition to vacate the conviction of Brian Beals, who was wrongfully convicted in 1988 of the murder of a six-year-old and injuring his mother and served 35 years in prison. This wrongful conviction represents a grave miscarriage of justice not only for Mr. Beals but also for the victim and their family, who have been denied true justice for decades.

This decision marks the first major achievement of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office's (CCSAO) newly rebranded Conviction Review Unit. The case of Mr. Beals highlights the critical need for this work, as the Office strives to restore faith in the criminal justice system and ensure that justice is served with integrity and fairness.

The CCSAO is committed to addressing the historic inequities within the justice system and to relentlessly fight against corruption in all its forms. The Conviction Review Unit is dedicated to diligently reviewing cases where wrongful convictions may have occurred, especially those resulting from systemic corruption and inefficiency. Today's announcement is a testament to CCSAO's commitment to this cause and a reminder of the work still ahead to achieve true justice for all. 

As the nation's second-largest prosecutor's office, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) continues to set groundbreaking precedents under the leadership of Cook County’s first Black woman State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx. Upholding her vision of administering justice to promote thriving, healthy, and safe communities across Cook County.  Under Foxx’s leadership, the Office has overturned 250 wrongful convictions linked to police misconduct and expunged over 15,000 cannabis convictions following its legalization in Illinois. Foxx’s innovative strategies to transform a criminal justice system historically steeped in systemic racism have earned her wide recognition as one of the nation’s most forward-thinking prosecutors.  Stay updated with her initiatives and achievements by following @SAKimFoxx on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and @CookCountySAO on Twitter and Facebook.

Please note that our email address has changed to sao.media@cookcountysao.org