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.