WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) — The mother of a black 17-year-old shot to death by a suburban Chicago police officer has led about 30 protesters onto the street in front of the Lake County Courthouse and blocked traffic.
Justus Howell’s mother, LaToya Howell, held a sign aloft that read “Justice for Justus” as she led demonstrators onto Sheridan Rd.
Lake County government officials closed the courthouse early Friday in anticipation of the demonstration, fearing more than 2,000 people could attend.
Before the march began, LaToya Howell said police were, “killing us and there is nothing we can do about it.”
State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said Thursday the Zion police officer was justified in shooting the teen twice in the back because he was carrying a loaded handgun. Howell had allegedly been involved in an illegal gun sale minutes before and fled.
