By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – Law enforcement agencies in McLean County thank the community for their help as county prosecutors close a book on a historic violent 2018.
In a joint release, local law enforcement agencies called local efforts “truly historical” on the heels of a guilty verdict last week in the Oak Street homicide case.
“At every turn, the women and men charged with finding those responsible and bringing them to justice were up to the task,” the release stated. “Through thousands of hours and relentless work, our police departments solved every case. Charges were filed against numerous defendants and guilty verdicts secured in each and every case.”
The violence experienced in 2018 included 12 homicides and two mass shooting incidents.
“The Bloomington Police Department is sincerely grateful for the collaborative efforts of the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office and their resolve in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families,” BPD Chief Jamal Simington said. “Prosecutorial diligence is evident and a difference-maker in the safety of the Bloomington-Normal community.”
Last week, a jury in McLean County convicted Jordyn Thorton, 22, of Bloomington, of first-degree murder in the 2018 death of Trevonte Kirkwood.
Kirkwood’s death was the 10th homicide in the county that year.
Blake Haas can be reached at Blake.Haas@Cumulus.com.
