Emanuel to return to Chicago early after deadly police shooting

Jessica D'Onofrio Image
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Emanuel cuts vacation short after police shooting
Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be back in Chicago Tuesday. He's cutting his vacation short to deal with the latest crisis facing the CPD.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be back in Chicago Tuesday. He's cutting his vacation short to deal with the latest crisis facing the Chicago Police Department. Over the weekend, two people were shot and killed by police.

A spokesperson for the city said the mayor has been in constant contact with the office during his family vacation to Cuba. There is no word on what time he'll be back Tuesday.

On Saturday morning, a police officer who responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighborhood fatally shot Quintonio Legrier, 19, and Bettie Jones, 55.

Legrier, a college student, was reportedly suffering from mental health issues. Police said he was trying to break down the bedroom door in his father's apartment with an aluminum bat.

Jones lived in the same building. Her daughters said she answered the door to let police in as Legrier came running down the stairs. Police opened fire and hit Jones by accident.

On Monday, the Jones family received a call from the mayor, who offered his condolences.

"He was very respectful. We said a prayer. That warmed my heart," said Latarsha Jones, Bettie Jones' daughter.

Emanuel ordered the CPD to review the way officers respond to mental health-related calls. Any officer involved in a police shooting will now spend 30 days on desk duty, rather than 72 hours, to make sure the officer is mentally stable.

Also on Monday, Legrier's father filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city.

CLICK HERE to read the LeGrier complaint.

A candlelight vigil for Legrier will be held at Gwendolyn Brooks Academy on 111th Street at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Legrier was an alumnus.