Guilty or not, these strange mug shots are worth a look. This information was supplied by law enforcement and describes recent arrests and charges. All defendants are presumed innocent.
Guilty or not, these strange mug shots are worth a look. This information was supplied by law enforcement and describes recent arrests and charges. All defendants are presumed innocent.
The 17-year periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge this spring and bring their "melodious" sounds with them. We have what you need to learn about and share the invasion experience.
The 17-year periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge this spring and bring their "melodious" sounds with them. We have what you need to learn about and share the invasion experience.
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
The attorney for a suburban Chicago woman accused of stabbing to death
her young son and a girl she was babysitting asked the public not to
rush to judgment after the woman's arraignment hearing on Wednesday.
Elzbieta Plackowska pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in each child's death. Prosecutors allege she stabbed her 7-year-old son more than 100 times because she was angry with her husband, and then stabbed the 5-year-old girl about 50 times because she was a witness.
Prosecutors said Wednesday that a psychiatrist has started a mental health evaluation of Plackowska in anticipation she may use an insanity defense. They said the process could take months.
Outside a DuPage Country courthouse after a brief hearing, public defender Michael Mara told reporters he will start building Plackowska's defense after the prosecution turned over photographs and 40 CDs and DVDs from its investigation. The county's top prosecutor, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, says the material includes Plackowska's confession.
"What happened here is a tragedy but it's important to remember not to rush to judgement," Mara told reporters. "Now we can start our defense."
Plackowska's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 4.
During the hearing, she stood silently in a blue jail uniform beside Mara. The hearing was broadcast live on websites as part of Illinois' experiment with using cameras in courtrooms for the first time.
Plackowska has told investigators that the children had been jumping on the bed at the girl's home in Naperville. She ordered them to pray, then stabbed them both dozens of times as they begged for their lives.
The 40-year-old Polish immigrant told investigators she killed her son, Justin, because she was upset with her husband, a truck driver who was often away from home. Prosecutors say she killed the girl, Olivia Dworakowski, because she had witnessed her son's death.
Berlin says Plackowska had been babysitting for Dworakowski since the beginning of the school year, although Justin and Olivia went to different schools and it wasn't clear how or when the two families met. Plackowska babysat Olivia numerous times as her mother works various shifts as a nurse, he said.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Monday, January 21 2013 7:44 PM EST2013-01-22 00:44:21 GMT
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Monday emerged twice from their limousine to respond to wildly cheering crowds along the inaugural parade route.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Monday emerged twice from their limousine to respond to wildly cheering crowds along the inaugural parade route.
Monday, January 21 2013 6:08 PM EST2013-01-21 23:08:16 GMT
Declaring "our journey is not complete," President Barack Obama took the oath of office for his second term before a crowd of hundreds of thousands Monday.
Declaring "our journey is not complete," President Barack Obama took the oath of office for his second term before a crowd of hundreds of thousands Monday.
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