Left- Cristobal Santana – Age 37 Right – Adrianna Lopez – Age 37
Springfield, Illinois – At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a citizen called police to report an officer-involved shooting in the 1600 block of Toronto Rd. They were uncertain about whether the shots were fired by the officer or the suspect. According to initial reports, 16 shots were fired, and an Illinois State Police Officer was shot in the leg. A tourniquet was applied to the officer’s leg, and the suspect fled his vehicle on foot.
Around 1:59 a.m., police received information that someone had gone to the Days Inn, located at 5970 S. Sixth Street Frontage Rd E., to inquire about a flashlight. Officers then responded to the area and took the suspect into custody at Circle K, located at 1201 Toronto Rd.
According to Illinois State Police, the suspect, 37 year old Cristobal Santana of Chicago, Illinois is the suspect in the attempted homicide of an Illinois State Police Trooper and is believed to be wanted in connection with the homicide of a Chicago Public School’s teacher.
According to media reports in the Chicago, Illinois area, the homicide victim was Adrianna Lopez, a 37-year-old Special Education teacher with the Chicago Public Schools. On Sunday, October 22, 2023, officers reported that she was near her home when a man believed to be Santana (an ex-boyfriend) approached her, started to argue with her, and then fatally shot her 10 times.
Lopez worked as a special education teacher at Nathan S. Davis Elementary School in Brighton Park.
Springfield, Illinois – At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a citizen called the police to report an officer-involved shooting in the 1600 block of Toronto Rd. They were uncertain about whether the shots were fired by the officer or the suspect. According to initial reports, 16 shots were fired, and an Illinois State Police Officer was shot in the leg. A tourniquet was applied to the officer’s leg, and the suspect’s vehicle was located shortly afterward.
A drone was used to view the inside of the vehicle, which appeared to be clear. However, officers then received a report of a suspicious person running near Packard Mental Health Center, formerly known as McFarland. Additional officers went to the scene, but the suspect was not located.
Around 1:59 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, police received information that someone had gone to the Days Inn, located at 5970 S. Sixth Street Frontage Rd E., to inquire about a flashlight. Officers then responded to the area and took the suspect into custody at Circle K, located at 1201 Toronto Rd.
Springfield, Illinois – At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a citizen called the police to report an officer-involved shooting in the 1600 block of Toronto Rd. They were uncertain about whether the shots were fired by the officer or the suspect. According to initial reports, 16 shots were fired, and an Illinois State Police Officer was shot in the leg. A tourniquet was applied to the officer’s leg, and the suspect’s vehicle was located shortly afterward.
A drone was used to view the inside of the vehicle, which appeared to be clear. However, officers then received a report of a suspicious person running near Packard Mental Health Center, formerly known as McFarland. Additional officers went to the scene, but the suspect was not located.
As of 1:11 a.m., October 25, 2023 – no further updates on suspects location.
Springfield, Illinois – A Springfield man was arrested by the Springfield Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU) after a high-speed chase with his young son in the vehicle. During the traffic stop officers found cocaine and a semi-automatic pistol.
On October 16, 2023, around 2:28 p.m., officers from the Street Crimes Unit observed a reddish-orange Kia Soul parked in a handicapped spot at Oscar’s Corner Store, located at 1000 N. 9th St. Officers reported observing a male individual, later identified as Kaleb X. McKinney, age 22, exiting the vehicle from the passenger side with a child, before entering the store. An officer also noted that they observed Kaleb turning back, apparently noticing their squad car before he entered Oscars Corner Store.
According to the officers’ report, “For unknown reasons, Kaleb became frantic and immediately placed his vehicle in reverse, and it appeared he was going to back into their marked squad.” When an officer walked up to the front diver’s window of Kaleb’s vehicle to speak with him about being parked in handicap, Kaleb allegedly accelerated forward, reversed once more, and then proceeded forward, fleeing eastbound on Enterprise at a high rate of speed. When Kaleb turned left onto 10th St. to head northbound, it was estimated that Kaleb was driving 60 MPH in a 30 MPH zone. The officer wrote, “It should be noted that we were traveling at approximately 55 MPH and were unable to gain any distance on Kaleb.”
The report continues to state that Kaleb ran two stop signs, passed traffic at a high rate of speed, and recklessly merged into a traffic lane.
Kaleb eventually came to an abrupt stop north of North Grand Avenue when an officer tried to approach his vehicle. However, Kaleb fled again and stopped once more north of North Grand and Michigan. During this stop, officers noted that Kaleb exited the vehicle and opened the rear driver’s door, reaching inside to pick up his son. At this point, an officer grabbed Kaleb and told him he was under arrest. But Kaleb lunged forward inside the vehicle. “I pulled Kaleb out of the vehicle and placed him on the ground, securing him in handcuffs,” the report stated. During a search of Kaleb, an officer discovered in his right pants coin pocket a clear plastic sandwich bag containing a white rock-like substance, suspected to be crack cocaine. The suspected crack cocaine was field tested and returned a positive result for cocaine.
Officers from the Street Crimes Unit searched the route of the high-speed chase and located a black-SARSILMAZ SAR9T 9mm semi-automatic pistol on 10th St. between Reserve St. and Division St. The pistol had a magazine inserted, loaded with an unknown number of live rounds and 1 round in the chamber. Officers conducted a records check on the firearm, which revealed it was not reported stolen.
After Kaleb was read his Miranda Rights, he admitted that the substance found on him was crack cocaine and estimated it to be approximately 1.0 grams. He stated that he had it for personal use. When asked how he uses the crack cocaine, he claimed he used a pipe. However, no pipe or any other paraphernalia was found in the car during the search.
A criminal history records search revealed that Kaleb does not have a FOID card nor a Conceal Carry License. The records search also indicated two convictions out of Sangamon County. The first conviction was for a class 2 felony for Manufacturing and Delivery of a controlled substance. The second conviction was for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, for which Kaleb is currently on parole. “These convictions make Kaleb ineligible to possess a FOID card and make him eligible to be charged with armed habitual criminal,” the officer noted.
During the officers’ interview with Kaleb, they asked him about his prior attempt to escape police custody and asked him if he planned to attempt it again. Kaleb responded, saying he couldn’t make any promises.
Currently, Kaleb is in the Sangamon County Jail, and has been charged by the Sangamon County State’s Attorneys Office with Armed Habitual Criminal (a class X felony), Possession of a weapon by a felon (a class 2 felony), Possession of a controlled substance (a class 4 felony), and Aggravated fleeing and eluding police (a class 4 felony). A pretrial bond hearing was held, and Kaleb’s bond request was denied. He will remain in the Sangamon County Jail until the conclusion of this case.
Rhet Spengel – Now-Retired Springfield Police Officer
Springfield, Illinois – In an update to a story that we’ve been following and covering, the City of Springfield and the Springfield Police Department have settled a lawsuit with Cory E. Hoedebecke, who had previously filed a lawsuit against the City and Springfield Police Officer, Rhet Spengel. Hoedebecke accused Officer Spengel of unlawfully pulling him over and illegally arresting him.
The original incident occurred on July 7, 2019, when Officer Spengel pulled over Hoedebecke, his ex-friend, due to retaliation. Text messages exchanged between Spengel and Erika H. Carlove, who was with Cory that night, revealed that Officer Spengel repeatedly questioned Erika via text about when Cory would be leaving the bar and what vehicle he was driving. At the time of the text message exchange, we’re told that Carlove didn’t know what Spengel was up to.
According to the police report, shortly after Spengel and Erika’s text message exchange, Officer Spengel wrote in his report that at 12:44 a.m. on July 7, 2019, he observed a vehicle, a 2014 red Jeep Wrangler, parked in front of 215 S. 2nd St., Bob’s Butternut Hut Bar. Upon running the plate, he saw that the registered owner was Cory E. Hoedebecke. He was familiar with this subject and aware that he had a prior arrest for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol. Cory has been known to often drive impaired. He observed the vehicle for a while, then saw Cory walking to the car. Cory was clearly stumbling and having difficulty maintaining his balance as he entered the vehicle. As Cory drove south on 2nd St. and turned west onto Jefferson, Spengel got behind him. The stoplight on 2nd at Jefferson was red. Cory stopped well past the line and didn’t make a complete stop. Spengel followed Cory as he traveled west on Jefferson. At 1st and Jefferson, Spengel observed Cory cross the lane line and straddle it for several seconds. He then proceeded to change to the left lane without signaling. Cory then turned south onto Walnut from Jefferson.
The report continues, stating that, based on these facts and circumstances, I stopped the car on Walnut at Washington. I advised Cory of the violations and asked how much he had drunk. Cory looked at me and refused to answer the question. Carlove was in the front passenger seat. I asked Cory to exit the vehicle, and he complied. I asked him again how much he had drunk, and he just looked at me. Instead, Cory repeatedly asked for a supervisor, and Sgt. Zander #534 responded. I noticed that Cory’s speech was slurred. His eyes were extremely red, and his pupils were constricted. It appeared as though Cory was having difficulty keeping his eyes open. I could detect a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person. I asked Cory several times if he would perform some field sobriety tests, and he refused.
I came to the conclusion that Cory was impaired by alcohol, and he was operating a motor vehicle. I placed Cory under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Officer T. Sullivan #772 completed a tow sheet, and it was towed from the scene. I transported Cory to Sangamon Co. Jail and issued him citation #455429 for DUI Alcohol. I read the Warning to Motorist to Cory and issued him citations #455427 for Disobeying Traffic Control Signal and #455428 for Improper Lane Usage. I completed the Sworn Report and gave Cory his receipt to drive. I completed a probable cause sheet and use of force form. BAT (Breath Alcohol Technician) operator Officer Boyle #769 was present. Boyle asked Cory if he wished to give a breath sample, and Cory refused. Cory refused to answer any of my questions, so I didn’t attempt to interview him any further. Cory was left in the custody of Officer Stoutameyer.
Later in the day, around 3:35 p.m., Officer Spengel took the traffic stop a step further by attempting to get Cory’s vehicle seized. In the supplemental report, Officer Spengel wrote, “On July 7, 2019 at 3:35 p.m., I conducted a follow up investigation regarding a DUI Alcohol arrest involving Cory E. Hoedebecke. It came to my attention that Cory had four prior arrests for DUI Alcohol, after his vehicle had already been towed and impounded by Taylor Brothers Towing at their tow lot. Cory’s prior arrests were on 01/31/94, 03/26/94, 10/07/94 and 02/21/05. The three arrests in 1994 resulted in convictions. I completed the asset forfeiture paperwork, and mailed Cory a Notice to Arrestee form advising him of the possible seizure of his vehicle through certified mail. The tow form and record at the front desk were also amended.”
According to records we’ve obtained, there was no camera or body camera footage of Cory’s driving that night. In addition, when Spengel’s body camera was on, while speaking to Cory, he confirmed that he was “using deception” and stalking Mr. Hoedebecke through his passenger via text message.
A source close to Springfield Leaks confirmed that at the conclusion of the Internal Affairs investigation, it was recommended to terminate Officer Spengel. However, that was overturned by former Chief of Police, Kenny Winslow. Spengel was given a suspension of 45 days instead.
Cory’s driving under the influence charge and all traffic tickets related to the DUI traffic stop have been dismissed, as it was determined that there was no basis for the traffic stop.
On October 3, 2023, the City Council approved a $100,000 settlement with Cory. The terms of the settlement state that $82,500 will be paid by the City, and $10,000 will be paid by Officer Spengel or on his behalf. After the settlement was approved, Cory told Springfield Leaks, “I appreciate internal affairs for their diligence during the investigation and for holding the corrupt officer accountable. I also want to commend the other officers who were honest during the IA interviews and their depositions. I’m grateful for those who honored their oath and refused to sacrifice their integrity to cover for a dirty officer who had no issues lying under oath and falsifying reports to violate a citizen’s rights.”
In June 2023, almost 4 years after this incident, Officer Spengel retired from the Springfield Police Department.
Springfield, Illinois – On September 19, 2021, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Springfield Police officers responded to Dirty South, 1231 E. Cook Street in response to several disturbances and an unruly crowd. While at the scene, officers heard gunshots and found a male subject shot in the parking lot. The victim was taken to HSHS St. John’s Hospital for treatment.
The next day, the suspect Jeramy S. Jones, age 30, was arrested in the 2000 block of Marland Street by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force without incident. Jones was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, armed violence, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed habitual criminal, and possession of a weapon by a street gang member.
In an update to this story, on Friday, October 13, 2023, Jones pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder and was sentenced to 23 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with a mandatory supervised release term of 3 years. He will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence. In exchange for his plea agreement, all other charges were dismissed. Jones was represented by Springfield Attorney Mark Wykoff.
Springfield, Illinois – A Springfield man was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections after a fatal hit and run on Clear Lake Avenue that took the life of a man in a wheelchair.
Nicholas I. Mullett, age 42, was indicted in August 2022 for leaving the scene of an accident that caused a death and for driving with a revoked driver’s license. According to the police, on July 20, 2022, Mullett was driving a vehicle on Clear Lake Avenue when he struck and killed 68-year-old Terry Tippett, who was in his motorized wheelchair at the time of the crash.
On September 21, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow sentenced Mullett to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a 12-month mandatory supervised release.
(Left) – Springfield Police Sergeant James Wangard (Top Middle) – Springfield Corporation Counsel Attorneys Steve Rahn and Nick Correll (Bottom Middle) Marreon C. Perkins and Devon K. Warner (Right) Springfield Police Detective Evan DeLude
A Springfield resident, Toni Wilson, says that on October 1, 2018, Springfield Police Sergeant James Wangard (pictured above) and Officers Justin Spaid, Lindzee Carpenter, and Evan DeLude of the Springfield Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit are the reason she was shot twice while sitting on her front porch. Wilson claims that Sergeant Wangard’s repeated statements on Facebook Live, labeling her son, Steven Wells, as a snitch, made her a target. However, the City of Springfield and four Springfield Police Officers argue that Sergeant Wangard’s statements didn’t lead to Wilson getting shot. Instead, they argue that her previous homes were targeted by unknown shooter(s), citing it as another instance.
In 2018, Sergeant Wangard, a member of the Springfield Police Department Street Crimes Unit, arrested a juvenile who, during the arrest streamed on Facebook Live, and repeatedly asked who snitched. In response, Sergeant Wangard said, “Steven Wells is the snitch. Steven Wells.” However, it was not Wells, who had snitched on the juvenile.
According to police records, the juveniles were showing a weapon on Snapchat, and their location was visible, which helped members of the Springfield Police Street Crimes Unit in locating and arresting them. Although Sergeant Wangard knew that Wells was not the snitch, he repeatedly mentioned it during the Facebook Live, and at one point, he even looked directly at the camera and said Wells’ name.
Six days later, after the arrest of the Juveniles, Wilson was shot while sitting on the front porch of her home.
On Monday, Wilson’s daughter testified that after the Facebook Live Video went viral, she received several unknown phone calls threatening her family’s safety. Wilson’s daughter stated that in one of those phone calls, an unidentified individual even threatened to harm her mother. She also testified that she regretted not informing her mother about the threatening phone calls. Instead, she chose to report the threats to the Springfield Police Department. However, the officers she spoke to did not file a police report. She told the jury, “I was given a business card.”
Sergeant Wangard, who also testified Monday, stated that he is currently a member of the Springfield Police Department’s Pro-Active Crime Unit (PAC), which specializes in drug enforcement. When Sergeant Wangard was asked by Louis Meyer, Wilson’s Attorney, if he guarantees the protection of his Confidential Informants’ identities from being revealed, Wangard told the jury that he does not, and explained that he informs his confidential informants that their identity may be disclosed in court paperwork. Sergeant Wangard also testified that he didn’t inform his supervisors of the incident immediately. He only did so after receiving a phone call from Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney, Andrew Affrunti, who questioned him about the video.
On Tuesday, retired Springfield Lieutenant Robert Markovic, current Lieutenant Brian Oakes, Deputy Chief Joshua Stuenkel, Sergeant Justin Spaid and Wilson were called to testify.
Retired Lieutenant Markovic testified that his job wasn’t to investigate whether the threats made against Wilson’s family, which occurred after the Facebook Live video, were related to the shooting. “My job is to investigate the officer’s conduct,” Markovic testified. When asked if he believed the shooting was connected to the Facebook Live video, Lieutenant Markovic responded, “I don’t think it was.”
Lieutenant Brian Oakes, who testified that he had seen portions of the Facebook Live Video, said that he was in charge of reviewing the findings from the Internal Affairs Investigation and then writing a report to summarize the investigation. Oakes, who acknowledged that he is friends with Sergeant Wangard outside of work, recommended that Sergeant Wangard should be removed from the Springfield Police Department Street Crimes Unit. While testifying, Lieutenant Oakes said it was a very tough decision in making that recommendation, “one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.” However, at one point, he expressed regret with his recommendation, saying, “If I could take it back, I would.”
Ultimately, former Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow chose not to remove Sergeant Wangard from the Springfield Police Department Street Crimes Unit but did impose a 3-day suspension.
During Deputy Chief Joshua Stuenkel’s testimony, we learned more about the potential suspect in the still-unsolved shooting of Wilson.
Marreon C. Perkins
Deputy Chief Stuenkel testified that Marreon C. Perkins (pictured above) was initially identified as the suspect in the shooting of Wilson. According to police reports discussed in open court, in November 2018, Springfield Police Detectives Redpath and Oldham met with Perkins in the parking lot of McDonald’s on W. Monroe St. Perkins, who informed the detectives that his house had been shot at on Saturday night, stated that he was at home during the time Wilson was shot. According to the detectives, Perkins mentioned that he began receiving phone calls from several associates, who asked him about a shooting incident in Popular Ave and whether he may have been involved. Perkins told detectives that he had no involvement in the shooting and never was in Popular Ave.
Deputy Chief Stuenkel also testified that Perkins was questioned about another shooting which occurred on Gregory Court. According to detectives, Perkins admitted to being in the area during the shots fired call. Perkins, who was visiting the area, told the detectives that he was leaving a house when he noticed someone with whom he had a bad history with, approaching him. As he was leaving, Perkins said he heard shots fired at him and saw who was shooting. He told detectives he didn’t shoot back and stayed in his car. Perkins, who was listed as the victim and suspect in this shooting, said he was the victim and that he stopped playing with guns in 2017. At the end of this interview with detectives, Perkins was free to go.
Marcus D. Little Jr.
Deputy Chief Stuenkle told the Jury that Perkins did identify an individual named Marcus Little (pictured above) as the individual who was shooting at him. According to court records, in August, Little was sentenced in Sangamon County to 2 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for possession of a weapon as a felon in a separate case. He is currently in custody in the Champaign County Jail, awaiting trial after being indicted there for being a felon possessing/using a firearm and aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm.
After Deputy Chief Stuenkle’s testimony, the Jury was allowed to ask questions.
The first question, from a jury member, asked Deputy Chief Stuenkle, “Would the shooting of Ms. Wilson have been added into the initial IA (Internal Affairs) narrative if the shooting had happened before the report was drafted?” Deputy Chief Stuenkle confirmed that it would have.
Jury Question Number 1 for Deputy Chief Joshua Stuenkle
The second question from a jury member was: “The mention of the 40 caliber casings in Ms. Wilson being shot and another shooting (Gregory Court shooting). Were they confirmed to be from the same gun?” Deputy Chief Stuenkle replied, “yes.”
However, Deputy Chief Stuenkle’s confirmation about the casings coming from the same gun doesn’t match what was reported in a police report. On October 16, 2018, Detective Harhausen wrote in his report that when he spoke with Carolyn from the ISP Crime Lab, she told him that there was no match between the two casings (from Ms. Wilson and the shooting on Gregory Court).
Jury Question Number 2 for Deputy Chief Joshua Stuenkle
Sergeant Justin Spaid, who was a patrol officer at the time, was known as the “social media guy” within the Springfield Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU). During his testimony, Sergeant Spaid said, “social media is extremely useful” for the Street Crimes Unit and that he would create a fake Snapchat and Facebook account and befriend people to monitor their accounts. When questioned about T.S., the juvenile who live-streamed Sergeant Wangard calling Wells a snitch, Sergeant Spaid mentioned that he was familiar with T.S. (Tyvell L. Stennis) from the streets and actively monitored his Snapchat account. During his testimony, Sergeant Spaid also discussed Stennis’ gang affiliation, describing him as a younger wannabe. “Kind of a poser, wannabe kid, trying to find somewhere to belong to,” Segeant Spaid said. “He tried with B.P. (Boss Playa) but transitioned to SQUAD.” Sergeant Spaid acknowledged on the stand that he did hear Sergeant Wangard say Wells’ name 3 times and thought that Stennis was doing a video call. When asked by Attorney Meyer if he believed anyone’s rights were being violated, Sergeant Spaid said he did not. In Attorney Meyer’s effort to identify that Perkins, the suspect in Wilson’s shooting, had watched the live-streamed video, Attorney Meyer questioned Sergeant Spaid about the identity of the “Pety Capo” Facebook account. The Facebook user had commented, stating that he would beat their ass, followed by three laughing face emojis. Sergeant Spaid confirmed that “Pety Capo” was Marreon Perkins and confirmed that he was “a real gang member.”
Sergeant Spaid confirmed that “Pety Capo” was Marreon Perkins and confirmed that he was “a real gang member.”
Wilson testified that she has lived in Springfield since she was 3 years old and works in healthcare, serves as a bus monitor, and assists special needs children. She told the jury that on October 1, 2018, she was sitting on her front porch, discussing with her neighbor what to get the kids for Halloween, when someone came from behind the house and began shooting. “It went by so fast; I didn’t see anyone,” Wilson said. “My leg was burning; it was hurting so bad.”
Wilson also explained that the shooting didn’t just affect her physically, but also emotionally and mentally. She mentioned having nightmares and getting medication from her doctor, in addition to going through physical therapy and having surgery seven months later to remove the bullet from her hip.
In an effort to show that Sergeant Wangard’s statements didn’t lead to Wilson getting shot, Steve Rahn, the Assistant Corporation Counsel representing the City of Springfield and the four police officers, questioned Wilson about prior shootings at her previous homes. According to police reports, there were three prior shootings at Wilson’s previous homes. In July 2014, an unknown individual(s) fired multiple gunshots at her residence on Pope Street. In April and October of 2015, two more shootings occurred at Wilson’s home on Lawrence Avenue. Additionally, City Attorney Rahn asked about Wilson’s statements to detectives, including whether she mentioned someone living in the neighborhood as a possible suspect. Wilson replied that she couldn’t remember. Attorney Amanda Yarusso, co-counsel with Attorney Meyer, followed up with additional questioning and asked Wilson how long has it been since a residence of yours was shot at? Wilson replied, “Four years.” Yarusso also asked Wilson if anyone from the City or the Springfield Police Department ever apologized or said, “I’m sorry this happened to you.” Wilson replied, “No.”
Day of Mistrial
(Left to Right) City of Springfield Corporation Counsel Attorneys Steve Rahn and Nick Correll
At 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Attorney Meyer announced, “Plaintiff rests.” The jury was then taken out, and a few final motions were discussed with U.S. District Court Judge Sue Myerscough. Following Judge Myerscough’s rulings on the final motions, City Attorney Rahn requested that the courtroom be closed. He explained, “So the press doesn’t hear about an informant that Springfield Police Detective DeLude will be testifying about.” City Attorney Rahn added, “The informant is not a confidential informant, though.”
Judge Myerscough then ordered all attorneys to her chamber. Shortly afterwards, the attorneys and Judge returned, and the jury was told to come back in.
Detective DeLude took the witness stand.
Detective Evan DeLude
Assistant Corporation Counsel, Nick Correll, who recently became the Springfield Police Department Legal Advisor in April, began questioning Detective DeLude. City Attorney Correll asked Detective DeLude about D.W., who was with Stennis during the traffic stop that Stennis live-streamed on Facebook. City Attorney Correll inquired whether D.W., previously identified as Devon Warner in open court by previous witnesses and on the live-stream, was taken in for questioning at the Springfield Police Department.
D.W. – Devon K. Warner
Detective DeLude confirmed that Warner was taken in for questioning and that Warner provided information that led to several firearms being recovered. Detective DeLude also mentioned that Warner “knew it was a joke” when Sergeant Wangard mentioned Wells’ name.
Detective DeLude was then asked about a shooting that took place on September 15, 2018. According to Detective DeLude’s testimony, there was a shooting involving B.P. and SQUAD at 18th and South Grand. He stated that during the incident, one vehicle pulled up behind another and fired 7 shots. The shooting left a 20-year-old female passenger paralyzed. When asked about the suspect in this shooting, Detective DeLude identified the suspect as “Steven Wells.”
OBJECTION! – yelled Attorney Meyer.
“Was this disclosed in discovery? This is completely unrelated. We weren’t given any documents or police reports,” Meyers told Judge Myerscough.
The jury was then instructed to disregard Detective DeLude’s testimony and was dismissed out of the courtroom.
City Attorney Rahn then handed Attorney Meyer’s a police report. After Attorney Meyer’s reviewed the police report, he told City Attorney Rahn, “Our whole theory of the case is right there (in this police report). THIS IS RIDICULOUS!”
Attorney Meyer told Judge Myerscough, “I was just handed this document. The document was never produced to us. Throughout the entire report, it says Perkins was a suspect in the shooting of Ms. Wilson.”
City Attorney Rahn said, “The plaintiff asked for anything related to Detective Wangard and Wilson. I was informed of the document last night. It was brought to my attention last night.”
Judge Myerscough reviewed the documents herself and told Attorney Meyer that she could see why he would be upset. “This is a sanctions violation. Are you asking for a mistrial?” Judge Myerscough asked. Attorney Meyer then requested a mistrial. Judge Myerscough agreed and declared a mistrial. The jury was then brought back into the courtroom.
“I am declaring a mistrial,” Judge Myerscough told the Jury. “In my 38 years, this is the first time I’ve had to have done this.”
A sanctions violation hearing for the City Attorneys is scheduled for November 20th at 3:00 p.m.
Immediately after court concluded on Wednesday, we asked City Attorney Rahn if the City would be considering settling this case. “It’s too early to call,” City Attorney Rahn replied.
Haley Wilson, the Director of Communications for the City, tells us, “At this time, we are unable to comment until the conclusion. It is imperative to clarify that the City of Springfield and its officers are the defendants in these proceedings and did not instigate the present legal action. We will be presenting a comprehensive defense of our officers and the City.”
Attorney Meyer told us, “It would be smart for them to settle.”
Over the course of the last few days, Springfield Leaks has received additional information regarding the shooting that took place on September 15, 2018 at 18th and South Grand. Despite Detective DeLude’s sworn testimony, in front of a jury, that Wells was the shooter in this shooting, the Springfield Police Department has documented evidence that Wells was not in fact the suspect in this shooting. On November 13, 2018, the Springfield Police got a letter from someone who said they knew who the person was that shot and paralyzed a 20-year-old woman. The Detectives met with the person who wrote the letter, but the results of that meeting are unclear. According to the letter the shooter confessed to intentionally shooting at one individual, but accidentally shot the female passenger.
*Editors note: Since the jury was given permission to speak about the case, if any member of the jury would like to speak to us regarding this case, you can email us at [email protected].
