Pantagraph.com | News | Man from Normal faces murder, aggravated battery charges in stabbing

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

leroymom wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:20 PM:

" I posted previously, but the Pantagraph didn't allow my comment. I just want to say that it is easy for everyone to pass judgment on someone they did not know. But I knew the victim. It's not as cut and dry as you lead yourself to believe. If someone is afraid that someone is going to hurt them, do you let them in (in hopes they won't hurt you) or do you lock them out and make them mad to where they will do whatever they can to get in and hurt? You say she's so bad, but was she the one who murdered someone else? And the child was truly innocent, how could you not feel for him? My god watch over you and never let you or your family have to experience something like this? "

jipsi wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:42 AM:

" normalguy:

I don't understand your hostility and contempt toward MY comments, when, in fact, it's OBVIOUS you, I AND albundy54, are on the 'same page' with all of this!
Do you read, and THOROUGHLY, what's already here before you make remarks such as that?

There's no "knee jerk jipsi heart whining" coming from ME, sir.
My recent posts (ie: the 'middle line') were addressing several people who read someone else's post and immediately JUMP on it with their extreme opposing view:
1.) the '*I've* NEVER had a crime happen to ME, so there must not be any going on!' declarations, and then, the other side,
2.) those who shriek that the world must surely be coming to an end here in B-N...

I was suggesting the few 'lucky' folk who believe there is no crime to be concerned about in B-N check their facts AND consider that they're not in a world that revolves around their 'perfect' and unblemished (by crime) world...

MY world's been 'hit', many times now, and I have NO QUESTIONS as to where the real problems lie (AND the startling demographics that support the truth, that albundy54 touched upon). "

normalguy wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:04 PM:

" i feel sorry for the son ( well not really) but his mom chose to not protect him from this person. end of story. she knew he was someone not to be around ( im sure the courts had valid reason to issue an order of protection) she violated that and lived with the guy. had she lived she should have been charged with endangering her son. "

normalguy wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:00 PM:

" albundy, somehow your post was let through despite it being factual and not the kneee jerk jipsi heart whining we are usually treated to. things are black and white. whether its murder rates ( black males are at most 7% of the population and commit most of the murders) sat scores, drop out rates, no known fater, on and on. deal with the facts and we might be allowed to come up with solutions. till then its made to be everyones problem and money thrown around and nothing moves forward. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:46 PM:

" No heart feelings Jipsi!!!! I felt silly after posting my "question" when I realized (duh!!) these two situations are completely different, even though they are both domestic abuse situations. Both so tragic though. "

jipsi wrote on Sep 9, 2008 1:24 PM:

" Bloomington Girl:

I realize I should have worded that less harshly... my apologies.
In my attempt to explain the 'differences' I seemed to have forgotten how involved and aware you actually ARE with many of the current issues (you have my RESPECT, first and foremost), and that was unfair.
Again, I apologize, sincerely, for letting my 'answer' clobber YOU with your question! :-) "

hereandthere wrote on Sep 9, 2008 1:23 PM:

" If I read one more time about "what's happening to this city" and "things aren't what they used to be" one more time I'm going to gag. Newflash: it's not just Bloomington, it's the world. Times change, cities grow, crime increases. Should we just sit back and watch: no. But please for a second stop acting like this is specific to Bloomington, and that there is only one cause, or solution. This is the world we live in...and for that matter, Bloomington is still better off than most places in the world. Step outside of your bubble every now and then. and you'd see how good you have it...I mean people are saying they're ashamed of Bloomington, and that they left for this reason...really? Pathetic. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Jispi-By asking a valid question I don't comprehend the real issue?? Wow, ouch!!! But I do see your point, we are dealing with a murder vs. suicide. "

jipsi wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:53 AM:

" to bloomington girl:

IF the amount of (and rise in) crime in Heyworth was parallel to that of the twin cities, there WOULD be an 'uproar', trust me.
OBVIOUSLY, however, Heyworth is a quieter, calmer place than its 'big city' neighbors, and when crime does happen, it's rare, and almost never the RANDOM variety that would put the whole town on the alert.
There's a huge difference between a certain amount of 'domestic violence' (although terribly tragic) and a significant uptick in 'aimless' violent crime!
Very few folk in Heyworth were expressing fear, during and afterwards, that something similar might happen to THEM.
However, throw a few dozen random muggings, rapes, assaults and robberies into the mix, and a high number of residents WILL definitely grow concerned and worried they could be 'next'.
That you would even draw a COMPARISON between the B-N citizens' concern with violent crime, and a small-town tragedy (where MANY citizens did, indeed, respond, but with expressions of sympathy, sadness, and remembrance; why would anyone feel 'in peril', when the only 'suspect' was more of a danger to himself than anyone else?), only illustrates how little you comprehend the real issues. "

bloomington girl wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:46 PM:

" I would like to know why there was such a huge uproar when this crime was commited (domestic abuse) But when the domesitic abuse situation happened in Heyworth a few weeks ago there was hardly the same response. Why? "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:23 AM:

" TO: OC

It was. Isn't living in the "lower crimed counties" fun? "

jipsi wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:03 AM:

" TYPO! Grrr.... Sorry.
Should have been "Sounds like your..." not "Sound like your..." "

jipsi wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:01 AM:

" to OC:

See, this is the PROBLEM: Many folk here have NEVER had anything 'bad' happen to THEM, and seem to think that speaks for the masses...
Oh, you lucky soul!
MOST Americans are working class family folk struggling day-by-day to keep a roof over their head, and the bad luck and setbacks (ARM increases, job losses, CANCER, car accidents, rape, muggings, burglary, kids being bullied in school, etc.) many experience on a regular basis SOMEHOW 'miss' falling on the heads of a fortunate few...
Is it so hard to believe you might actually be talking to REAL PEOPLE who have experienced - PERSONALLY!?! - violent crime??

I, too, could regale you with some recent (past year/two), and PERSONAL, brushes with crime... it appears you would not believe me, either.
But it doesn't mean "it didn't happen".
It means you're one of the lucky few who have never had to deal with much "bad luck" or violence, so find it hard to believe OTHERS HAVE.
Sound like YOUR problem, kid. :-) "

jipsi wrote on Sep 7, 2008 8:43 AM:

" (2, cont from 1):
There are black and white degrees of debate going on, and that's AGGRAVATING.
With so many understanding it's BEST to traipse the 'grey' middle, why is it so many folk STILL take the extreme high OR low road?
I appreciate conversation AND heated debate, but not when it is with those who have closed their minds to anything other than the "side" they've chosen.
The majority of people who have lived here most, if not all, of their lives, HAVE noticed a radical change.
NOT the natural changes that occurs over decades (c'mon, we're more intelligent than that), but a clear and documentable rise in crime, especially juvenile violence.
To deny, and IGNORE, this, is either being blissfully ignorant or hopelessly jaded: neither are positive traits. And neither accomplish any good or progress. "

jipsi wrote on Sep 7, 2008 8:43 AM:

" tammy:
There are the Chicken Littles who believe it's the end of the world, and go screaming 'foul', with their head cut off every time they see a 'sign'.
And THEN there are the OZ-triches (over-pleasant people who believe nothing terrible will ever happen and poo-poo anyone who even suggests such a thing! Fiddle-dee-dee!), with their proverbial heads in the sand, living their insular daily lives away from the nitty-gritty of real-life (it's OUT HERE). They SO dislike Chicken Littles, and OZ-triches SO frustrate the other, in return.

Hey, there IS a middle ground of folk here, Tammy, who both KNOW crime didn't 'happen yesterday', but also are alert and aware enough to know when CHANGE is going on, and at a rapid rate, without proclaiming it's the end of the world, yet!
(1, cont. to 2) "

OC wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:21 AM:

" To GOM: - Give me a break...you're sister got burglerized while moving into the same building? That's quite a story. Wasn't it your relative that also was accosted by the gunmen on Hershey a few weeks ago? "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on Sep 5, 2008 3:39 PM:

" tammy - No offense but I don't think anyone thinks the internet is to blame for crime. What they are saying is that since the internet has been a main source of communication, we hear about crime a lot more. There has been crime all along but the internet makes it easier to hear about it.

It's obvious crime has been around for ever, everywhere. But it is a fact that there has been a significant increase in crime in Bloomington Normal over the past 5 years or so.

And if sane, responsible people were allowed to carry guns they could protect themselves rather than be raped, mugged, murdered, etc. "

tammy wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:25 AM:

" i'm skimming through the comments and i see crime just started or it's the internet or let everyone carry a gun. please people, im from a small little town and i even realize that crime is everywhere it just doesn't start on a certain date. Internet does not tell people to murder people or tells kids to beat up people. and having everyone carry a gun come on a little common sense here. everyone is ready to blame everything on tv, music, internet. but instead doesn't anyone stop and think that it's just plain stupidity. "

shejinx wrote on Aug 31, 2008 3:21 PM:

" This is such a horrible thing that happened. I knew the woman's son, he was in one of my classes and I had just met him. This is such tragic event. He was such a nice guy.

My prayers go out to the family and the son. "

albundy54 wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Reality not racism. The following is a direct quote from a U.S. Dept. Of Justice Study released 8 years ago on domestic violence, and is available online.

Race and ethnicity

Overall, blacks were victimized by intimate partners at
significantly higher rates than persons of any other race
between 1993 and 1998. Black females experienced intimate
partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white
females, and about 22 times the rate of women of other races.
Black males experienced intimate partner violence at a rate
about 62% higher than that of white males and about 22 times the
rate of men of other races.

I now would like to make my opening comment a question. Is this reality or racism? The facts are in this study. I dare the Pantagraph censors to allow the truth to be posted in this response. "

albundy54 wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:01 AM:

" Blueglock you are an elequent speaker sir and you sounded just like the "chosen one" when you made your post. It must took sometime to type that out, but it was well worth it thank you. The point is there are always going to be the kool-aid drinkers who are going to hang on everyone of his duhs and uhs, they are the pathetic basket cases who wouldn't get the message if the billboard fell on them. For those we dismiss as ignorant anyway. For the rest of us it is as you said Blueglock, McCain is hardly the best he beats hell out of O'Bama. "

Farkel wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:59 PM:

" Wait just a darn minute! She had an order of protection! Why didn't she protect herself with it? You know, wave it at him or something. That's all our governor, his boss Da Mayor and most of the state legislature's Democrats say we need. Or maybe she should have called the police. After all, when danger is seconds away, the police are only minutes away.

Ok, so much for the sarcasm. People need to be able to protect themselves, period. Not just in their homes. Not just on their property. Not just in their vehicles. That's what concealed carry offers to those whose lives are in danger. "

knowing is half the battle wrote on Aug 30, 2008 2:56 PM:

" simpleone: stand by it 100%. I've seen hardship in life too. The difference between me and people like you is, I don't blame the government. I blame those of society who inflict hardship on others. Like the criminals and leeches in this country who are growing in number in this community. I watched him speak. Didn't wow me and didn't represent me. Sorry. "

former-bn-res wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:53 PM:

" Bloomingtongirl brought up a good point. I haven't lived in B/N for 18 years but when I did there was crime. Like The Hendricks, The S&S murders. I'm sure there are more. Crime is everywhere. Always will "

blueglock22 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:59 AM:

" TO SIMPLE ONE - Obama...uh...is not going to...uh...change anything. He...uh...hasn't done...uh...anything in his entire time...uh...in office except...uh...run for office. We've essentially been...uh...paying him to run for office not...uh...make a difference. You've seriously...uh...got to be uninformed to vote for...uh...someone like him, especially with all his...uh...questionable associations (william ayers, rev. wright, tony rezco among others.).....Sorry for all the stuttering, it was as painful to type the way obama speaks as it is to hear him....and no i dont think mccain is that great, just way better than obama. "

SkaterMom wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:42 AM:

" To GOM: I agree...this boy was very heroic. I cannot imagine what that must have been like for him. My prayers are with him. "

hmmmmm wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Gov't Oppressed Mule

You say an increase in crime from about 2001 until now? Hmmmmm, just about the time that we have had our current state's attorney "

yaitsme wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:26 PM:

" I agree GOM, The boy deserves a hero's medal for being so brave. "

airwren wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:07 PM:

" Just when you think this story couldn't get worse it does. Sadly there are 3 lives that will forever be destroyed because of this situation. Crime always has this ripple effect and it is just sad that it came to this. =( "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:36 PM:

" To:GOM, I agree about this boy, what a hero! BUT at the same time this poor kid could have gotten himself killed. Then we would have two tragedy's on our hands. I'm not sure if I could live with myself though if i just watched a man attacking my mom and didnt do anything. Either way, his poor child was in horrible situation. He did the best thing he knew to do. Prayers are with him!! "

realtalk wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:33 PM:

" TO SOTRUE...IT'S CALLED 'GENTRIFICATION' :) "

it's her wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:11 PM:

" "To "knowing is half the battle", so you have to grew up poor and disadvantaged to help people. Give a break. So only the poor can help the poor!" "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:37 AM:

" I don't know about anyone else, but I feel like the son needs to receive an award for his actions in attempting to stop this. I understand it was his mom and it may have been instinct, but his actions were still heroic in my book. "

nonya wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:21 AM:

" to knowing is half the battle. Where do you get that from? What does Domestic Abuse have anything to do with politics. Oh ya, I forgot about those repub-ba-ling idiots smacking their wives around. "

New Nana wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:08 AM:

" To Mule....You are EXACTLY right!! I have lived here for 10 years this time, was gone for a year and a half prior to that, and was here 6 years prior to that absence. Crime is DEFINITELY on the rise and you are RIGHT-On abo7ut when it started to increase. I tool feel for the young boy, BUT his mother put him in this terrible situation.....she got an Order of Protection against this man and then allowed him to live in their home. This young boy will need lots of LOVE from his remaining family. "

tatbtime wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:57 AM:

" I applaud the young man who tried to fight for his mother! He is a brave one. I am so sorry that this ended up like this, I am sorry he lost his mother and in such a tragic way. "

SoTrue wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:24 AM:

" I agree crime is increasing due to drugs and gangs and housing project transplants from Chicago. But, this was domestic violence. It's always been here. I remember in grade school, a mother of a couple of our students was killed by her boyfriend and we went by the house and there was blood on the steps.
And by the way, this was in the 50's. "

teslafan48 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:22 AM:

" well u know i use to live in blooimington for a long time in fact mt family own one of bloom most respected buss and i moved away a few years back because it is not the bloom i grew up in where you can just walk down the street morning noon or night but i also thinkin a time like this we should all pull togther no matter color and prey for the family that is involed with this tragety my thought and prayer go out to the family god bless u............. "

oppressed in illinois wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:16 AM:

" to simple one::: blinded by obamas light??? "

justme2 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 5:49 AM:

" Ok, I've got to say this. I'm 34 and have lived here for most of my 34 years. The amount of crime has increased significantly. In fact, the other day I was saying how when I was a kid, I could walk, YES, on the west side, without worries at 10 at night to go home or walk my dog. I didn't worry about what was going to happen to me, now I can't stand walking in even daylight and I don't live on the west side (so side of town has nothing to do with it).

We had crime, but like someone said it wasn't as randomized as it is now. We had kidnappings, though back then, people actually paid attention to strangers around schools and made others aware right away. We had murders, but again, they were not really random murders. Beatings/muggings, sure they probably happened, but not near as much as they do now.

But, as another stated, increase in population has a lot to do with it. More people = more crime. Of course, the world in which we live has gotten worse all the way around. "

realtalk wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:26 AM:

" THIS CITY SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND WORSE! "

simpleone wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:32 AM:

" to knowing is half the battle : Your remarks of tolerance and diversity may lead people to think that you believe you know what is going on (for half the battle). However, your words glare strongly on your ignorance of the people who surround you in today's society. I ask that you look around and actually see the people who share the same space that you occupy. We are here in all our diversity and I hope you listened to Obama speak tonight at the DNC. Did you see him--- He represents the majority of the people who need changes made in today's government, in our everyday lives. He has lived his words. His words are real to those who know about life's hardships, black, white, hispanic, asian, etc---all of us. I honestly can't believe that you stand by your comment and all it's negativity. Obama is a positive change for today's society because he can relate to the needs of the people and he has the ability to make things better because he wants for the people --- not himself--- you got to believe. "

Dave wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:56 PM:

" For Duane: I will pray for you all. I know how hard it is to get people involved in other people's lives. I've always been for the down and outers, the social rejects, the poor and the hurt. If we could fill the church with those kind of people who needs love and understanding, we'd have dynamic congregations.
I have gone on mission trips to inner city housing projects. Been in crack houses. Been surrounded by a street gang. But I thanked the Lord for giving me people to love and He's always taken care of me. Be a friend and they will be friendly.
I wouldn't be afraid to walk down Orlando at night. I have as much confidence in people there as I do the ones living in the burbs.
I'm praying that God would somehow open a door for me to get involved with that kind of ministry again. "

lilalmom wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:37 PM:

" Angel i will miss you, it wont be the same not seeing you at family cookouts or some of our crazy party's! you were always good for a laugh. "

LexiLee wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:27 PM:

" Duane, thank you for your comments. You and your congregation's efforts are certainly appreciated. God Bless you all in your mission. "

cats55ire wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:10 PM:

" to normalguy (your response at 9:09 to the goat)

with all due respect, you said "we invited this diverse population here and
WE MUST LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES". . . . . the last part of that sentence, I do not agree with (and I had no control over the first part of your sentence).

My point is, as tragic as this situation is because someone died, people EVERYWHERE should respect themselves and others and not "come to blows when there's an argument"!!!!!!! I mean ALL people! NO EXCEPTIONS! My comment is meant objectively! Right now none of us know the details, but I still can't understand why people don't get it! Violence is not the answer!

Pls. understand I am sorry for Ms. Neal's family, the young boy and all other relatives grieving at this time. This is tragic! "

knowing is half the battle wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:08 PM:

" normal guy: It's only gonna get worse come November when this diversity hits the White House. If you think we're overly tolerant of crime and the social problems caused by our changing population, what do you think America's going to be like when Obama's running things? "

normalguy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:12 PM:

" remember a previous death of an "innocent" woman back in the spring. just because the police are questioning someone doesnt mean anything. and even if someone is charged could plead tio a lesser charge, or be found not-guilty. you are so quick to judge. "

normalguy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:09 PM:

" to the goat. we know exactly what has happened and what is going on in this town. we invited this diverse population here and must live with the consequences. "

otis wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:03 PM:

" some people never learn to listen "

Geez! wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:15 PM:

" A very sad day for all of humanity when someone is killed, especially in such a senseless way.

My prayers and condolences go out to all involved and affected by this tragedy. "

Anon Comment wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:34 PM:

" First, my condolences to the victims and their friends and family. Hey, has anybody thought about the fact that the reason crimes like this seem more prevalent in recent years is because of the Internet? Sure, it does seem like there's a lot more crime in B/N, but that's because it's right in our face 24/7. Used to be the only way you'd find out about some of this stuff (and I'm sure there's a lot we don't read about here that happens on a daily basis) was to listen to your police scanner. We do live in a sick world, but it didn't use to be so evident until we could read about every heinous crime on every .com news outlet. "

J-Red7 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:09 PM:

" Mule- Crime has and always and will always be here. To think that it just started increases in 2001 is idiotic. As our city gets bigger, crime increases. Also as a city gets bigger that harder it gets for the city to hide its crime problems. Crimes have always happened but you just dont know because not everything is published in the Pantagraph. "

iread2 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:07 PM:

" oh brother here we go lets blame on the people from chicago.....I have lived in bloomington for 20 years. When I moved here most of the crimes commited were by locals. Nothings changed. If you read the courts reports you find that its the locals that have committed more felonies than people who just moved here. "

whaddayaknow wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:54 PM:

" My sincere condolences to Ms. Neal's family. In this world the one place we should be safe and secure is with those who say they love us - or who have loved us. Unfortunately for victims of domestic violence that is not the case. . . and this is the most extreme example. The most dangerous time for a person in an abusive relationship is when they are leaving or have left the relationship. If you are ever concerned for someone you care about, or just want advice, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at any time at 1-800-799-SAFE and it is confidential. They will not push you to do anything -- just talk. "

Godislove wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:48 PM:

" Many times we speak about things we don't know what we are talking about, but one thing I do know is Angel was a sweet person and she loved her kids and she should've never died the way she did. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers. "

Duane wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:39 PM:

" …If I may make some comments about our church for clarity sake: We’re honestly making strategic efforts to reach the people that God has placed around us here in Normal. I’ve personally led teams who have passed out event brochures to invite our neighbors in these particular apartments to our annual “community nights” and “Thanksgiving dinner” each year, and we’re seeing God work in many lives. We certainly aren’t perfect and I’ll be the first to say we’ve made a lot of mistakes, but one thing I’m proud of here is that we’ve had a renewed vision to reach out and show Christ’s love. And though I would agree with you that a lot of good churches have lost focus, we here at Calvary Baptist certainly desire to keep Jesus in front of us and make sure everyone around us knows of his grace and abundant love. Please pray for us to be a light to this community. "

Duane wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:39 PM:

" I’m a pastor at the church you mentioned that is only a couple blocks away from the murder and am deeply saddened to hear this news and we will be praying for the young man’s healing; and for all those involved that they would be comforted during this time. I appreciated the grace within your comments toward us as a church, and I understand your frustrations with the church’s role in their communities. Too often the church loses focus on what is really important in life. Whether we argue with each other, have too many church potlucks, or whatever it may be - we lose focus on our goal and what Christ has commanded us to do…to spread the gospel, make disciples, and love people… "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:32 PM:

" Just out of curiosity, what exactly will Conceal and Carry do for you in a situation where your neighbors are in the middle of a domestic dispute that you have no clue is even going on until its all over? "

myself wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:25 PM:

" Crime here has not increased or decreased. The percentages are relatively the same. Anyone remember Toto's crimes? How about all the chaos Stevie Graham and his family caused due to gang issues? More people live here now, so crimes increase. Simple math. But no increase in violence. The same things have been here for ever. Society can blame these crimes on drugs or anything else. It's just the way some individuals think. We can't change that! "

Venture Bros. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:41 PM:

" We really need concealed carry ! "

michelle24 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:38 PM:

" Hey, JayG--Yep, you succeeded all right--I got ya from the git-go. "

Jay G wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:34 PM:

" Hey 'michelle24"

Where have you been?

We need your great insight here! "

annagraham wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:18 PM:

" I can't speak factually about the crime rate, but this certainly has felt like a violent Spring and Summer compared to years past. It would be very interesting to see a story in this paper about crime rate statistical trends over the past 10 or 20 years, from theft all the way up to violent crimes like this one. It should not be difficult to gather these numbers from the Bloomington and Normal police departments. "

muttonhead31 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 1:07 PM:

" thats right Dave,god is the answer for all our crime problems. You go into Orlando neighborhoods after dark and speak to the thugs there about stopping crime by way of the lord. Chances are we will be reading about your carcass being found and noone will have seen anything. Please feel free to spread the word. "

Jay G wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:58 PM:

" Thero...............

You missed my meaning completely.

Everytime a story comes out of a rape, robbery, burglary, or murder, some yahoo always tries to make a case of East/West - North/South.

I was trying to prevent these comments from even beginning.
AND, after reading the comments SO FAR,.....looks like I've succeeded.

Your move. "

1VoiceOfReason wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:58 PM:

" If you are seriously concerned about the crime in this city...then get off your "blog" for a few hours and show up on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4th @ 6pm in the Bloomington City Hall Council Chambers (109 E. Olive Street).
Show your support for change there...not on these comments that officials dont read!

ACTION -noun
something done or performed; the process or state of acting or of being active. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:55 PM:

" TO JIPSI

I just received an e-mail from my mom, telling me this is the apartment building my sister was moving into w/ her 2 kids. After taking her first load up, she returned to the car for the second load. By the time she had made it vback upstairs she found her door had been kicked in and somebody had taken her stuff. Needless to say, she called the landlord and told them what to do with their lease. "

so what wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:52 PM:

" I've been in B/N for 22 years. I used to walk my dog very early in the morning by myself and never did I feel like I was in danger doing so. Now I wouldn't do it on a bet! The crime got worse when Cabreene Green closed. "

Jay G wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Hey Aron7

I have lived in B/N for the past 21 years. Prior to this, I have lived in cities as large as 500,000 on down to towns of 1300. This and other crimes DO happen everywhere. And I'm sorry to disappoint you, but crimes such as what happened on Sheryl did occur "a few years ago" and further back.

How long have you lived here? "

ngbg wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:22 PM:

" It has nothing to do with the "town". Crazy spouses/significant others are capable of most anything. and they live everywhere. "

just had it with all this wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:16 PM:

" this is a tragic event for that young boy.. i hope this boys father steps up and takes care of him.. gets him some help to deal with what he had to watch .. the poor boy .... my prayers do go out to him and his family ..

the crime in both town has rising for the past 4 or 5 years .. "

Dave wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Many of us believe the problem with our country and cities is spiritual. Trying to solve a crime problem without God is akin to trying to treat cancer without medicine.
I used Google Earth to find Sheryl drive and noticed it was about a block from one of the largest churches in Normal. I don't want to pick on this particular church but I wondered if anyone from any community of believers had ever had contact with this woman, her son or the man who committed the crime?
Until those who supposedly have the answers get into the trenches and start standing for something besides bingo, chili suppers and right wing politics things aren't going to get any better. "

BrettinBloomington wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:53 AM:

" ARON7- This doesn't sound like the rise of "random" attacks that has plagued us lately. This sounds more personal than our new problems. And to others who say this never happened are wrong. I've lived here all of my 37 years and there has always been crime, the difference now is, that it seems to now be more random without motivation. Years ago, lets say the 70's & 80's if you were attacked, you probably weren't random, and even though it may have been wrong, you probably did something to provoke it. "

ktlin wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Should we change our names to Chi/Bloom/Norm? I hope the people that encouraged these people to come here accept some of the responsibility. But naturally they never had a thing to do with it. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Great job NPD for getting this guy off of our streets. It is a shame it was at this cost. My prayers with all involved. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:43 AM:

" BLOOMINGTON GIRL

Are you serious? What bubble have YOU been living in? I've been here 26 years and this "crime increase" didn't start happening until 2001 and beyond. True, that there was crime before, but not to the level it has been as of late.

ARON7

Sept 4th there is a public meeting (granted it's Bloomington and not Normal) to adress this issue at the Town Hall at 6 PM. I agree something needs to be done and now is the chance to do just that. "

jipsi wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:40 AM:

" My NIECE and her fiance lived across the street from THIS building, before they moved out two years ago because of the 'drug dealing' (the apartment RIGHT BELOW THEM, half a dozen or MORE 'visitors' every hour until the wee hours of the morning, always leaving their car idling out front) and break-ins that had started to become every other day occurrences...
Not saying that's what THESE people (in the story) are involved with, just stating a knowledge and familiarity with the neighborhood...
...and next person that quips 'give me some evidence', STIFLE IT: I was there four days a week, mornings and afternoons, picking my son up from my niece's, for almost two years, and saw the 'problems' FIRSTHAND.

CLEAN IT UP, landlords... "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:24 AM:

" Oh please I have lived in B-N for 19 years. Crime DID NOT just start happening "a few years ago" what bubble world have you been living in? Crime has been here as long as I have been! No we should not "accept" it, however with a growing population comes more crime. No city in the world will be crime-free, period. I think we have a pretty good handle on things for the most part as far as crime is concerned. "

isabelle wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:56 AM:

" This is heartbreaking and terrifying. "

Aron7 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:42 AM:

" Jay G you must not have lived here for very long cause these things didn't happen in our town up until a few years ago. So no I'm not just going to accept that crime happens. We need to do something about it and get our town back from these thugs! "

thero wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Jay G: No one had even mentioned East/West North/South until you had to go and bring it up...someone always has to stir the pot, good game. "

iread2 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:25 AM:

" My prayers are extended to the family....May GOD bless them... "

pewla2 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:57 AM:

" My prayers are with the young man. How sad for him.....I hope that he can make a full recovery and get some help healing the wounds we can't see. "

Jay G wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:46 AM:

" It's not just this town. Its happening everywhere.
So lets not get into East Side vs. West Side. North vs. South.
B/N vs. any other city in the US.

Crime is everywhere, so lets leave it at that!

Prayers to the families. "

Wife&Mom wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:42 AM:

" I am very sorry to hear about this. I hope the boy makes a full recovery and has other family members to help him through this as he will need their support. "

the_goat wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:39 AM:

" That's terrible... what is happening to this town? "

Burgerman wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:06 AM:

" how sad, my prayers go out to the boy and his family. "

Truth Told wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:55 AM:

" My thoughts and prayer are with the young are with the victims involved. "

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