09-25-2009, 06:46 AM
Keep in mind Julie moved here 6 months ago. No pictures at online article. Article doesn't mention which police department is investigating this....
Prayer vigil held for beating victim
Comments
September 25, 2009
BY KENDRICK MARSHALL <!-- e --><a href="mailto:kmarshall@snc1.com">kmarshall@snc1.com</a><!-- e -->
WAUKEGAN -- Julie Contreras has become wary of the violence and senseless deaths that have plagued the city in recent months.
A large group of residents who shared Contreras' sentiments gathered in front of the Waukegan Police Department on Wednesday night for a prayer vigil to express displeasure over the death of Tomas Flores.
On Sept. 9, Flores was beaten by three men as he walked alone along 10th Street.
During the attack, he suffered extensive head injuries that led to his death hours later.
"This street is an area infested with drug users and where much crime occurs," she said.
Contreras, LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Midwest Immigration Affairs commissioner, said the family is hoping police open an investigation into the death.
Those in attendance at the prayer vigil were under the impression law enforcement agencies are slow to bring justice to immigrants and Latin Americans when acts of violence have occurred against them.
Carmen Cabrera, a Waukegan community activist, is demanding police monitor high-crime areas more closely to curb the rash of violent activity.
"We will walk in prayer to stop the violence in our community and to ask the police to please pay more attention to the areas that are high in crime."
While all Hispanic community leaders are not opposed to working alongside law enforcement officials to create a safe environment, they also want police officers to exhibit professionalism and show respect toward residents no matter their legal status.
"This is occurring too often in our community that we hear that nothing is being done because the victim is an immigrant," said Waukegan resident Eusebio Benitez. "We need justice for all these victims. The land needs healing."
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1789539,5_1_WA25_VIGIL_S1-090925.article">http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... 25.article</a><!-- m -->
Prayer vigil held for beating victim
Comments
September 25, 2009
BY KENDRICK MARSHALL <!-- e --><a href="mailto:kmarshall@snc1.com">kmarshall@snc1.com</a><!-- e -->
WAUKEGAN -- Julie Contreras has become wary of the violence and senseless deaths that have plagued the city in recent months.
A large group of residents who shared Contreras' sentiments gathered in front of the Waukegan Police Department on Wednesday night for a prayer vigil to express displeasure over the death of Tomas Flores.
On Sept. 9, Flores was beaten by three men as he walked alone along 10th Street.
During the attack, he suffered extensive head injuries that led to his death hours later.
"This street is an area infested with drug users and where much crime occurs," she said.
Contreras, LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Midwest Immigration Affairs commissioner, said the family is hoping police open an investigation into the death.
Those in attendance at the prayer vigil were under the impression law enforcement agencies are slow to bring justice to immigrants and Latin Americans when acts of violence have occurred against them.
Carmen Cabrera, a Waukegan community activist, is demanding police monitor high-crime areas more closely to curb the rash of violent activity.
"We will walk in prayer to stop the violence in our community and to ask the police to please pay more attention to the areas that are high in crime."
While all Hispanic community leaders are not opposed to working alongside law enforcement officials to create a safe environment, they also want police officers to exhibit professionalism and show respect toward residents no matter their legal status.
"This is occurring too often in our community that we hear that nothing is being done because the victim is an immigrant," said Waukegan resident Eusebio Benitez. "We need justice for all these victims. The land needs healing."
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1789539,5_1_WA25_VIGIL_S1-090925.article">http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... 25.article</a><!-- m -->