Michael Toomin, a retired Cook County judge who in more than four decades on the bench presided over some of the highest-profile criminal cases heard in Chicago, has died at 85.
Longtime Cook County Judge Michael Toomin, who presided over some high-profile cases during his career, is getting ready to hang up his robe and gavel.Michael Toomin, a retired Cook County judge who in more than four decades on the bench presided over some of the highest-profile criminal cases heard in Chicago before retiring in December, has died at 85.
He also sent stable owner Kenneth Hansen in 1995 to prison, with a sentence o more than 200 years, for the 1955 killings of three boys - Robert Peterson and brothers John and Anton Schuessler - a crime that terrified parents across Chicago. In 2020, the Cook County Democratic Party refused to endorse Mr. Toomin for reelection, with party leaders citing concerns over his views on juvenile justice. Others saw the move as payback for his appointment of a special prosecutor to look into how Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx's office handled the case of Jussie Smollett, the actor who falsely claimed to have been the victim of a hate attack.
"It surprised everybody," Murphy said. "I hated seeing him the way he was the last few days, knowing what a vibrant guy he was. He died in peace." "He taught me how to be a trial lawyer, how to act in front of a jury," Murphy said. "If you were a judge who worked under him, you felt you were lucky. He was always available and really knew his stuff."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
8 no-cook recipes to keep you and your kitchen coolIt's hot out there, so let these summery recipes for soups, sandwiches and spreads help you keep your cool.
Read more »
County’s application for home repair program falls through the cracksPerry County is one of three Pennsylvania counties which did not apply to participate in a new state home repairs program.
Read more »
Portage County motorcycle crash kills 44-year-old rider, troopers sayAfter the car became established on the road, it was struck by the motorcycle.
Read more »