On March 8th, 2019, Menelik Jackson stood before Cook County Judge Joseph Claps to address a probation violation. Jackson had previously pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and was ordered to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and adhere to a curfew. However, prosecutors informed the judge that Jackson had allowed the monitoring system’s batteries to drain, violating his probation terms.
Instead of penalizing Jackson for the violation, Judge Claps surprisingly removed the electronic monitoring requirement, essentially rewarding him. Two weeks later, Jackson, now off electronic monitoring and out past his curfew, obtained a handgun and used it to fatally shoot off-duty Chicago Police Officer John Rivera and severely injure Rivera’s friend in River North.
Five years after Rivera’s tragic death, Judge Michael Clancy sentenced Jackson to 90 years in prison for the shootings. Jackson was convicted of murder and gun-related charges in October.
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen Burke expressed that Officer John Rivera was a dedicated public servant whose senseless death left a void in the hearts of many. The sentencing finally brought some accountability and justice for Rivera’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Two other individuals involved in the shootings received their sentences earlier: Jaquan Washington received 13 years for conspiracy, while Jovan Battle received 65 years for directing Jackson towards Rivera’s car.
The events unfolded in the early hours of March 23, 2019, when Rivera, his girlfriend, an off-duty probationary police officer, and another individual were sitting in Rivera’s parked car on North Clark Street. Unbeknownst to them, Jackson and Washington had been in a confrontation with a group of men earlier at the Rock and Roll McDonald’s nearby.
After returning to a hotel, Jackson and Washington, still upset about the earlier altercation, went back out to look for the men. Jackson, with the guidance of Battle, approached Rivera’s car and opened fire without any prior confrontation or demands. Rivera was killed, and another individual in the car was critically injured.
During the trial, Jackson admitted to the shooting but claimed he mistook Rivera’s group for the men from the earlier incident. Jackson is required to serve the full 90-year sentence for murder.
The tragic events of that night serve as a reminder of the risks and dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. Justice has been served, but the loss of Officer John Rivera remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect.
