Statement Regarding The Police Involved Shooting Deaths Of Quintonio LeGrier And Bettie Jones

The Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney has reviewed the investigation surrounding the shooting deaths of Quintonio LeGrier and Bettie Jones on December 26, 2015 by Chicago Police Officer Robert Rialmo. The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Illinois State Police. The Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney is the agency responsible for making criminal charging decisions under Illinois law for incidents that occur in Cook County. The Office reviewed the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether there was a basis for filing criminal charges. After thorough review, the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Rialmo did not act in self-defense in shooting LeGrier and Jones. 

The purpose of the review was solely to examine whether the conduct of Officer Rialmo was unlawful. The State’s Attorney’s review specifically does not address issues related to tactics, whether Officer Rialmo followed police procedures, whether he should be subject to discipline, his employment status, or the merits of any civil litigation.  Any questions regarding those matters should be directed to the Chicago Police Department and the Independent Police Review Authority.
               
State’s Attorney Kim Foxx played no role in reviewing this case, or in the decision announced today. The State’s Attorney’s previous employer, Power, Rogers & Smith, represents the estate of Bettie Jones. Given the State’s Attorney’s previous employment with Power, Rogers & Smith, she has recused herself from this case.  First Assistant Eric Sussman was designated Acting State’s Attorney for this matter.

A report detailing this decision can be found here.