©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
| Kiwanis Park Shooting-- One Year Later |
Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of an event the city of Galesburg would much rather erase from it's history, than be reminded of the pain it caused.
A dispute at Kiwanis Park resulted in the killing of 21-year-old Jamell Ware. Chicago's Overton Fisher is accused of firing the fatal gunshot. The following week, an unrelated shooting occurred at a Monmouth Boulevard apartment.
Despite the violence then, Police Captain Rodney Riggs is assuring residents the city remains safe.
"The city of Galesburg has always been a safe city to live in," Riggs said. "We do all we can to take steps to ensure the safety of all citizens of Galesburg at all times. Whether it be extra patrols, whether it be meeting with community groups to ensure safety-- any ideas that they can give us to implement."
"We're always willing to listen, and have the citizens of Galesburg take part in making it a good place to live, a safe place to live."
According to Riggs, the police department has banded together since last year's murder. He says officers have become better communicators and are more diligent in listening to the public's concerns.
The 47-year-old Fisher and alleged trigger man in Ware's death is scheduled for a Pre-Trial Conference Monday. He's been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Five others were arrested-- including Fisher's son, 19-year-old Michael Fisher. All five have pleaded guilty to lesser charges and are expected to testify against Fisher. |
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| 06 29 12 by Newsroom |
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