Springfield, Illinois—Today, several staff and teachers from Grant Middle School did not report to work after meeting with Superintendent Jennifer Gill to address their concerns for a safer environment. According to a source, on Monday, May 10, 2024, five Grant Middle School faculty members addressed the school board, and after the meeting, some school board members were overheard saying, “The teachers were exaggerating.” The source tells us, “How much is enough?”

In a press release sent out today, it said, “The dedicated team at Grant Middle School took a bold stand to fight for a safer school environment for all students and staff by not reporting to work. The current system is ineffective in meeting the social and emotional needs of our students.

The top priority of our school board should be to provide a safe environment for every student to learn and for teachers to educate.

Therefore, we are coming together to ask for mental health crisis support and more restorative behavioral measures for students. Additionally, we are requesting meaningful support for our administration and security staff. We firmly believe that educators play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders in our community.”

Springfield School District 186 Spokeswoman, Rachel Dyas tells us that, “Today the students at Grant Middle School were greeted with several guest teachers alongside a number of their regular GMS teachers due to a higher number of staff personal leave absences than normal.

We were notified of this possibility yesterday and took swift action to ensure continuity for our students so that they have a great Friday. The building is adequately covered with certificated staff and security.

We are aware that the educators who serve students each day at Grant are concerned about the level of behavior issues. Yesterday, our Superintendent spent the day at GMS and met with staff voluntarily after school to discuss their concerns. We are dedicated to working through these issues with staff, working with families and supporting administration. As always, we cannot discuss any specific student case or employee issue due to the Student Record Act and employees’ right to privacy.

We know that serving our students and our community is a joint effort with families. Our staff should never have to deal with acts of misbehavior that make them feel unsafe. We are committed to continuing this conversation and supporting staff across the District in constructive and collaborative ways, but it is also a larger community-wide concern that we must address together. We fully understand the gravity of their concerns. The Springfield Education Association has issued their own statement and we will continue to work with them to define their needs and address their concerns as we continue to educate our students.

We do have a continued shortage of substitute teachers and have many staff across the District enjoying graduations and other momentous occasions for their families, so our District and instructional leaders stepped away from their roles to assist with this temporary need. We also asked our assistant principals from other schools and our Regional Office of Education staff who serve schools across our district to respond. We actually had more staff respond than is needed to cover the day.

Grant Middle School teachers and administration are excited about ending the school year strong and have many amazing activities planned, and the District is committed to working collaboratively to address their concerns while continuing to address students’ individual needs and provide an appropriate education for all.”

Springfield, Illinois – On May 6th, an arrest warrant was issued by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Brandon L. Berner, 23 of Springfield.

The warrant charges Berner with three counts of 1st Degree Murder in the death of Michael Newton.

Sheriff’s detectives were able to identify Berner as the suspect during the course of the investigation. Last night at approximately 10:12pm, Berner turned himself in at the Springfield Police Department. Deputies responded and transported Berner to the Sangamon County Jail, where he awaits a pre-trial detention hearing and arraignment scheduled for May 8th, at 2:00 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this case, with the assistance of the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Springfield, Illinois – The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the identity of the human remains found at a residence in the 2100 block of East South Grand Avenue in Springfield yesterday.

The remains in question were examined today in Springfield. The individual has been scientifically identified and the remains are those of Michelle R. Bianco of Springfield.

Ms. Bianco was reported missing more than 15 years ago in the Springfield area. After the post mortem examination today the official cause and manner of death is still pending addition studies.

The death remains under investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Sangamon County Coroner.

UPDATE FROM SHERIFF:

On Sunday, April 14th at 1:00 p.m., the Springfield Police Dept. was contacted by the resident of 2128 S. Grand Ave. The resident was remodeling and located in the crawlspace under the house a purse with personal documents inside with the name “Michelle Bianco.” SPD was aware the Sheriff’s Office had a missing person case on Bianco, and contacted SCSO.

Deputies and Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation. Due to the purse being located in the soil under the house, it was determined that ISP assist in processing this type of scene.

On Monday, April 15th, ISP began their forensic processing of the cellar around 10:40 a.m. At approximately 12:03 p.m., they discovered skeletal remains and advised SCSO Detectives. At 12:05 p.m., an Anthropologist from the Illinois State Museum was requested to assist in the identification of the remains. After a positive ID that the bones were human, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon was contacted and responded to the scene. Coroner Allmon took custody of the remains and returned the scene to Detectives. Today, Coroner Allmon notified SCSO the remains were that of Bianco.

The investigation of Bianco’s death continues. She was originally reported missing on April 8, 2008

Springfield, Illinois – The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to Lincoln’s Lodge, located at 304 North Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois, on March 18, 2024, at approximately 9:09 p.m., for a reported shots fired call. 

Upon arrival, a male victim was found inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound.  The victim was transported by ambulance from the scene and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, has identified the male victim as Aaron Suttle, 47, of Springfield, who was pronounced deceased by hospital staff shortly after his arrival at the emergency room.

An autopsy was done today and preliminary findings suggest Mr. Suttle died from the gunshot wound.

According to Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, “Detectives are trying to locate and interview additional witnesses, and they continue to collect evidence. The suspect, a black male wearing black pants and a white short-sleeve shirt, was last seen running towards Clearlake Avenue after the shooting.”

Detectives from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the shooting and are asking anyone with information to contact the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 217-753-6841 or Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.

Springfield, Illinois – The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to 304 North Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois, on March 18, 2024, at approximately 9:09 p.m., for a reported shots fired call. 

Upon arrival, a male subject was found inside a vehicle with a suspected gunshot wound.  The male subject was transported by ambulance from the scene and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.  

An unknown black male subject was observed running east away from the scene.  Detectives with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the shooting.  Anyone with information regarding the shooting should contact the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Investigation’s Division at 217-753-6841 or Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.

We will provide additional updates today.

Springfield, Illinois – The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the death of a 7 year old boy that was transported by EMS to HSHS St. John’s Hospital Emergency Room from the 2300 block of Winnebago Drive in Springfield after being found unresponsive in a pool at a residence on Saturday.

The child was pronounced deceased by hospital staff at 1:00 p.m. shortly after his arrival.

An autopsy was done today and preliminary findings are consistent with drowning. The death remains under investigation by the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office.   

Springfield, Illinois – In an update to our previous article: Grant Middle School Security Guard Arrested and Charged; Placed on Investigative Leave by School District. We have video of the incident (AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE).

The incident occurred on February 26, 2024, at Grant Middle School, located at 1800 W. Monroe St. A Springfield Police Officer reports that Jesse L. Crawford, age 49, was breaking up a fight between two students when a female janitor objected to his actions. The female janitor confronted Jesse, and he became aggravated and grabbed her by the throat, throwing her to the ground.

The janitor had no visible marks or injuries, but she requested an ambulance and was transported to a local hospital to be checked for non-life-threatening injuries.

Jesse was taken to the Sangamon County Jail and was charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office with two counts of battery, a class A misdemeanor. He was granted pre-trial release and released from the Sangamon County Jail.

Springfield School District 186 provided the following statement: “At this time, District 186 is investigating an incident that occurred after school hours at Grant Middle School on February 26, 2024. After a preliminary investigation, a District staff member was immediately placed on investigative leave. We are unable to comment on this situation any further due to the matter involving personnel. We appreciate your understanding regarding the sensitivity of this issue and assure the community that appropriate steps are being taken. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.”

Jesse is expected to return to court on April 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

Springfield, Illinois – A Springfield woman, who was reported missing to the police and last seen by her family on February 17, 2024, has been identified as the woman found near the southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 55 at Stevenson Drive.

According to officials, an Illinois Department of Transportation worker was collecting garbage in the area when he discovered a bag containing a body.

Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon has identified the deceased individual as Teresa Ann Coleman, 54, of Springfield.

An autopsy was performed today and preliminary autopsy findings determined Coleman’s death was a homicide.

The death remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police, the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office.

Springfield, Illinois – The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the death of a female that was located near Interstate 55 Southbound and the Stevenson Drive on ramp.

The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office responded to the location after being notified by the Illinois State Police that the decedent was discovered.

At this time the death is considered suspicious in nature and an autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

The death remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police, the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office.  

According to initial reports, an Illinois Department of Transportation worker called police due to finding the woman in a bag.

Stay tuned to Springfield Leaks for further updates.

Springfield, Illinois – The Insurance Company for First Class Barbershop, located at 100 N. Wesley St. in Springfield, Illinois, is refusing to release payment for medical expenses for a six-year-old child who was shot inside the barbershop while waiting to get his haircut. Now, Donegal Insurance, the insurer in question, is facing legal actions in Sangamon County.

According to the Springfield Police, on April 8, 2023, at approximately 3:28 p.m., officers were called to First Class Barbershop for a shots fired call. According to police, two people were shooting at each other. Shortly after the shooting, an off-duty Springfield officer alerted Sangamon County dispatch that a victim of the shooting, Maximus (Max) Bolden, age 6, had just arrived there in a gray Hyundai and that he was brought in by his step-father. A report listed Max’s injury as a gunshot wound to his upper left thigh, resulting in a serious arterial bleed, and his condition was listed as life-threatening. He was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and air-lifted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital due to the severity of his injury.

According to investigation documents provided to us, the shooting occurred during an argument between two brothers at First Class Barbershop over the payment of a $20 haircut. One brother, identified as Ryan M. Roberson, age 36, had just received a haircut from his brother, who was working as a barber at the shop. The report states that Ryan claimed to have already paid for his haircut, while his brother insisted that he had not. This disagreement escalated when Ryan pulled out a gun, waving it around and threatening to shoot up the barbershop and his sibling. Max’s stepfather, who is also a brother of Ryan and the barber, intervened to break up the argument and managed to escort Ryan outside. While Ryan was outside, it was reported that he continuously threatened to shoot up the barbershop, causing the brother to retrieve “the barbershop gun” from a drawer. The brother then went to open the door to see if Ryan was gone. As the brother was walking back in, it was reported that Ryan came out of the car, pointed the gun at the brother, and started shooting. The brother then shot back. According to police, five shell casings were found at the scene near Wesley St., where Ryan was observed in a vehicle. Additionally, police estimate that there were approximately 10-15 people inside the barbershop during the shooting.

Ryan was charged in the shooting with Armed Violence, a class X felony, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, a class 1 felony, Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, a class 4 felony. Investigators also learned that the gun used in the shooting of 6-year-old Max had previously been used in the shooting at Roberson’s ex-girlfriend’s house on January 29, 2023. Roberson had a warrant out for his arrest for that shooting at the time when he shot Max.

In a plea deal with prosecutors in January 2024, Ryan pleaded guilty to reckless discharge of a firearm, a class 4 felony, and possession of a weapon by a felon, a class 2 felony. The remainder of the charges in this case were dismissed. Ryan also accepted another plea deal in the case involving the shooting at his ex-girlfriend’s house, which occurred two months before he shot 6-year-old Max with the same gun. In this case, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a class 2 felony.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Roberson will be released within the next 4 years on April 11, 2028.

Although the criminal conclusion of this case has been resolved, we are told that Max’s medical issues are extensive and ongoing, and that he will require lifelong medical treatment.

In the recent court filings against First Class Barbershop’s insurance company, Donegal Insurance, Attorney Benjamin Sgro is representing Max’s mother, Marquidaa Bolden. He is requesting the court to enforce the settlement agreement that was agreed upon. According to the settlement agreement, First Class Barbershop’s Medical Payment Coverage limit of $15,000 was agreed upon, with $5,000 allocated to a Medicaid lien, $5,753.30 being paid to the law firm Sgro, Hanrahan, Durr, Rabin & Reinbold LLP, and $3,944.70 designated for an account that cannot be accessed without the court’s approval but can be paid to Max on his 18th birthday.

However, Attorney Sgro provided the court with emails showing that, following the settlement agreement, a payment has not been received. He has repeatedly attempted to contact Donegal Insurance’s Attorney, Paul Dykstra, who is no longer responding. “I have sent several emails and left numerous messages in that time requesting an update,” Sgro wrote. “Virtually no response has been provided.” Sgro also told Attorney Dykstra, “Max will need lifelong medical treatment as a result of this incident, and Ms. Bolden desperately needs these proceeds to care for him. Simply put, we cannot continue to await payment if your client has no intention of tendering the same despite the Court’s Order. All we ask is that your client fulfill its obligations in accordance with our agreement and the Court’s Order so that Ms. Bolden can provide and care for her now-disabled 6-year-old son.”

Max Bolden, who is described as a very smart and bright little guy, still has a GoFundMe page and it is still accepting donations. If you would like to donate, please CLICK HERE.