Update On Howard Morgan

On January 17, 2014, we reported on the case of Howard Morgan.

This is a case where the jury acquitted Morgan on counts of firing a firearm and counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, but deadlocked on charges of attempted murder.  At the retrial, the judge denied the jury knowledge of the acquitted charges, and the second jury convicted Morgan of attempted murder.  His attorneys have argued double-jeopardy because it was only possible for the jury to convict upon finding that Morgan fired a gun — a charge in which he was acquitted.

Tomorrow, February 26, 2014, a rally recognizing 9 Years of injustice against Officer Howard Morgan is being held in Chicago.

Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL

Hosted by: Attorney Benjamin Crump

The Free Howard Morgan Campaign has a website where it also provides a petition.

http://www.freehowardmorgan.com/

The Worst Shot Came From The Justice System

The case of Howard Morgan

Chicago, Illinois

Imagine being put on trial for four counts of attempted murder, four counts of aggravated battery with a firearm against a police officer, and two counts of discharging a firearm.

The jury acquits you of the two counts of firing a firearm and four counts of aggravated battery with a firearm.  Logically, you would think that a finding of not guilty would also be entered on the charges of attempted murder, but the jury deadlocks on those charges.

According to your defense attorneys, ten jurors considered you not guilty of attempted murder, and two others would not agree.  The judge declares a mistrial.

Then imagine being put on trial again and the court orders that the second jury cannot know that the first jury acquitted you on the charges of discharging a firearm and aggravated battery.  The second jury enters a conviction for attempted murder, aggravated battery, and discharging a firearm.  You are sentenced to 100 years in total, but since one sentence is 40 years, the judge orders that your sentences run concurrent meaning, you will serve 40 years in prison.   At the age of 61, does it really make much difference?

Protesters and your family say that the second trial violated double jeopardy.

Okay, that started at what is now the present.  Let’s go to the beginning.