"I need a Major favor. I am asking you to read this alert and forward it to everyone you know. Next I'm asking any of you that are available on September 18 to come to the Wheaton court house at 505 County Farm Road at 10am, to support fairness in our Dupage / American criminal law process. Once you read the Alert I'm sure you will understand why this is critical for all of us. The judge, the State's Attorney and the world needs to know we are watching.
Christoper could have been anyone one our sons or grandson. If they are allowed to get away with this, the message is clear...In 2012 "blacks have no rights that any white man is legally bound to respect, period." And make no mistake about it, they will do it again. We need a since of urgency about this because 2 of the three have already walked "scott free". I'm asking you now, "What are you prepared to do?" Where will you be on September 18 and where would you be if it were your son? I hope the answer is the same."
If you or your contacts have any questions at all, feel free to contact me MIKE CHILDRESS @ 630 291 8379.
ACTION ALERT
DATE: August 6, 2012 at 6:30pm
260 S Schmidt Rd
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
TO: NAACP, DuPage County Branch
FROM: Mario L. Lambert II, President, NAACP DuPage County
Anita Kontoh Scott, Chair Legal Redress
Your participation in this meeting is an example of how there is power in membership. Come share your voice and vote on what our action should be concerning this matter.
THE ISSUE:
Christopher Phillips, a then 19 year old black male college student filled out a NAACP intake questionnaire on September 26, 2011 concerning an incident that occurred on or about August 14, 2011. Mr. Phillips was beaten by three white males, also around 19 years of age while at a party for talking with a white girl whose boyfriend was at the party. Mr. Phillips sustained severe injuries including a broken jaw. Three men were arrested, (Michael Mungovan, Jake Randich and Thomas Randich). They were charged with Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm and Mob Action. Michael’s case was dismissed, Jake was found not guilty on a directed verdict, Thomas (case number 11 CF 1875) is pending a jury trial in September 18, 2012.
On August 14, 2011 Christopher Phillips, herein referred as "Chris" attended a party at a friend’s house by the name of Nathan Halas, herein after referred to as "Nate." The party was in West Chicago, Illinois. This was an underage drinking party involving 20-25 college age students. Chris was the only black person at the party. Nate's parents were not at home and were believed to have traveled out of town at the time of the party.
During the party, Chris began speaking with a white girl, "Erica," Chris had met her previously at a different party. Eventually an argument ensued between Thomas Randich and Michael Mungovan about Chris talking to Erica. Comments were made about Chris talking to the wrong girl.
The argument was broken up by Nate. Chris was attacked from behind as he turned and walked away from the scene of the argument. Chris was hit in the back of the head just as he saw Jake Randich, herein thereafter referred to as "Jake" push through the crowd towards him. Chris was swept off his feet by Thomas Randich, herein after referred to as "Tom.” Chris fell to the concrete/tile floor of the basement onto his face, while down and on his side Tom and Jake began to kick and punch Chris until they were stopped by Nate. The party was ended. Chris suffered a broken jaw, knocked out front teeth and bruised ribs. Tom and Jake were heard shouting racial slurs as they were leaving “That’s what the Nxxxxx gets, and these Nxxxxxx think they can do anything.”
There were witnesses at the scene. Chris was eventually taken to Good Samaritan Hospital. A police report of Chris was taken at the hospital. The police interviewed witnesses and took reports of them as well. However, no Police officers were in court on the day of trial.
The NAACP’s involvement is needed to call attention to this injustice. Most of all it is feared that the third defendant, Tom will unjustifiably be found not guilty, making no one liable for this senseless beatdown.
MEDIA:
ABC 7 covered the story on August 17, 2011
LEGAL BACKGROUND:
Mike's case was inexplicably nolle pros by the state.
Tom's case is set for a jury trial on September 18, 2012. I suspect they will waive it to a bench trial.
Jake's case was set for a bench trial on July 24, 2012, at which I was present. Jake was inexplicably found not guilty after Judge Bakalis granted a directed verdict at the end of the State's case. The defendant never offered a defense.
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
The granting of the Directed Verdict by Judge Bakalis in favor of the Defendant was against the weight of the evidence. Several witnesses, including Chris testified to seeing the defendant kicking and punching Chris about the body. Due to the judge's ruling Jake gets to walk away with no (criminal) legal consequences for his actions. The case can not be appealed.
THE NAACP STRONGLY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT AND SWIFT ACTION
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