Family of 13-year-old shot by Chicago police finds hope, relief in news that officer could be fired
Adam Toledo's family called the interim CPD superintendent's recommendation to fire Officer Eric Stillman a 'brave decision'
CHICAGO (WLS) -- This week the acting superintendent of the Chicago Police Department recommended that the officer who shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo in 2021 should be fired. That officer's case is now going before the Police Board.
Toledo's mother and other family members shared their reactions to news the officer involved in his death could be fired, calling it a "brave decision."
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"Everything around me reminds me of my son," said Elizabeth Toledo, Adam's mother. "It's one more step to getting justice for my son. He didn't deserve, he didn't deserve that."
"Hope came to us because now we see that someone is listening to what we are going through," said Maria Perez, Adam's aunt.
READ MORE | Adam Toledo shooting: Calls for justice continue 1 year after teen fatally shot by CPD
"A little bit of relief, a little," said Adam's sister, Esmeraldo. "It brought us hope because it's a sign toward justice for Adam."
In March 2021, 13-year-old Toledo was seen on Chicago police camera video running away, then dropping what appears to be a weapon and raising his hands. Then, Officer Eric Stillman shoots the teenager in the chest.
READ MORE | Adam Toledo shooting: Calls for justice continue 1 year after teen fatally shot by CPD
CPD Interim Superintendent Eric Carter has formally filed administrative charges against Stillman and he could be fired pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
The Chicago Civilian Office of Police Accountability has said Officer Stillman used unnecessary deadly force and should be fired.
But former Superintendent David Brown disagreed with those recommendations before leaving his post last month.
"We are all humans but we have to be responsible for our actions," Adam's mother said. "Sometimes it's just too much, but I have to speak for my son. I'm his voice now. He's not here to defend himself."
"We miss him," Perez said. "There is an empty space that will never be filled."
The police board hearing is scheduled for May 1.
Stillman's attorney said they look forward to presenting Stillman's case and they believe his actions will be deemed justified, saying in a statement, "The Cook County State's Attorney's Office investigated this case and correctly concluded that the use of force by Officer Stillman was proper and within Illinois law. There is no reason or justification for the City of Chicago to have sought termination on this case. The members of the Chicago Police Department continue to work under amazingly difficult circumstances, yet still come to work each day to protect the citizens from the gun-wielding offenders who terrorize our City. The work of the men and women of the Chicago Police Department should not be ostracized but rather given the appropriate amount of appreciation that is deserved. Adam Toledo's death is a tragedy, but a tragedy nevertheless that was caused by the gang violence that is epidemic on our streets not by Officer Stillman. We now enter the next phase of Officer Stillman's long journey which is to try and separate him from the Chicago Police Department. It is not only a sad day for the police officers, and public safety but also to all Chicagoans. We look forward to presenting our case to the Police Board and believe his actions will be deemed justified."
