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This page will be updated as new information on the investigation becomes available.
Media Release March 6, 2008 The Tinley Park Police Department has established a toll free phone number for persons who may wish to listen to the previously released 911 call of the Lane Bryant homicides. The toll free phone number is 1-866-853-6222. After listening to a brief introduction about the purpose and content of the released material, the caller is able to listen to four consecutive replays of the previously released 911 call. The number allows the caller to leave a voice mail at the end of the 911 recording. The number has been established to permit those without internet access to listen to the killer’s voice, in the hope that the voice will be recognized, and that it will lead to information regarding his identity. For those with internet access, the same audio can be heard on the website of the Tinley Park Police Department (www.tinleyparkpolice.org). The Tip Hotline number, 708-444-5394, will also remain operational. MEDIA STATEMENT February 18, 2008
Do not prolong the suffering of the victims’ families any longer. The right thing to do is to turn yourself in. You can do so by going to any of the religious leaders you may know, and they will see that you are safely brought to justice. The Tip Hotline number is 708-444-5394 February 16, 2008 Tinley Park police have released a third and updated sketch of the gunman wanted in the deaths of five women at a Lane Bryant store. The new sketch includes a front view of the suspect and his braids, without a cap on.
Media Release February 13, 2008 PM
Earlier today there were reports by some media outlets that an arrest had been made or that a suspect had been developed in connection with the five murders which occurred on February 2nd. When this incorrect information was made public, the Tinley Park Police Department attempted to correct it by informing the public of the facts as they are.
We do not have a suspect in this case at this time. We do not have anyone in custody or under arrest in relation to this investigation at this time.
We continue to look at all leads to determine if there are individuals or circumstances that fit the known facts of this case.
We can confirm that the U.S. Marshal’s office picked up an individual on an unrelated warrant. That person was not turned over to the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force or to the Tinley Park Police Department. However, we consider the information a lead, and treat it as we treat all the other leads that are being pursued.
We strongly encourage people to continue to call the Tip Hotline (708-444-5394) with any information they may have to aid in this investigation. To date, the Hotline has accounted for hundreds of valuable tips.
Media Release February 13, 2008
There have been recent media reports that a suspect is in custody regarding the murders which occurred on February 2nd. This information is incorrect. No one has been arrested, nor do we have suspects at this time. Due to the fact that false information could discourage persons from calling our hotline, we are encouraging people to call in with any information they have. As we have emphatically stated in the past, as soon as an arrest is made, or any significant information on the case can be released, the media will be notified immediately. The officers assigned to this case are continuing to follow up on leads, and we continue to seek the help of the public to provide us with information on the Tip Hotline. The Hotline number is 708-444-5394.
Media Release February 10, 2008 Tinley Park Police released this composite sketch of the man believed to be responsible for the shootings. African American, 25 to 35 years old, 5 foot 9 to 6 feet and 200 to 230 pounds with a husky build and broad shoulders.
Media Release 11:00 AM February 9, 2008 Over the past two days dive teams have searched the frozen ponds and streams in the area for the purpose of finding any potential evidence pertaining to this investigation. Officers have conducted grid searches of roadsides and interstates. The crime lab continues to evaluate a very large quantity of evidence collected at the scene, and we continue to receive phone leads on the 24 hour Tip Hotline. To date we have received over 200 phone tips. Today police officers will be in the Brookside Marketplace handing out flyers to shoppers and business people whose activities may have brought them into the area on the day of the murders, and who may have seen something that may aid in this investigation. The team investigating these murders would like to thank the media for keeping the public informed about the offender's description, and for encouraging people to call the Hotline number. We recognize your help, as well as your cooperation, is crucial to this investigation. Today will conclude our daily live press conferences. We will continue to keep the media informed of developments in this case via timely faxes. A copy of the composite drawing of the murderer will be forwarded immediately upon its availability. In the event of a major development, we will give the media a minimum 2 hour notice of the time and location for a press conference.
Media Release 11:00 AM February 8, 2008 There are no new details to report to you about the investigation. I would like to stress, this should not be interpreted as an indication that the investigation has stalled in any way. The investigation continues at a brisk pace, and new leads are developing every day. To date, there have been over 200 tips received on the Tip Hotline.
We ask the public to continue calling the Hotline number to provide any information they may have to help us in this investigation. We would be interested in speaking to anyone who was in the Brookside Marketplace plaza on Saturday, February second between 9 and 11 AM. The phone number for the Tip Hotline is 708-444-5394. Tomorrow, police officers will be at the plaza to attempt to locate and interview persons who may have been in the area at the time of the crime, and to gain additional information from them. The officers conducting the survey will not be available to the media to answer questions, and we respectfully ask the media not to impede their assignments.
I would like to remind the public of the description of the murderer we are searching for. He is a male African American, approximately 5”10” tall, he is described as being large framed, but with his weight proportionate to his size. He is roughly between 25 and 35 years of age, with a medium complexion. He has a receding hairline with 3 to 5 corn rows of hair from the front to the back of his head. These rows are described as being “puffy.” There was one braid of hair hanging down over the right side of his face, with four light green beads in the braid. At the time the crime was committed, he was clean shaven, wearing black jeans with some type of rhinestone-type embroidery on the back pocket. He also wore a charcoal gray knit cap, and a black jacket that went below the waist. Again, it is quite possible the appearance of this criminal has changed since last Saturday. I would like to also remind the public of the two rewards that have been established. The Lane Bryant Company has offered a $50,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the murderer. Crime Stoppers has offered a total of $5,000 dollars -- representing one thousand dollars for each person murdered -- for any anonymous tip that leads to the arrest of this criminal.
Media Release 11:00 AM February 7, 2008 The Tinley Park Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force continue to follow up on leads and information in an effort to make an apprehension in this crime. To date, there have been over 170 tips that have been received on the Tip Hotline, and each one, no matter how seemingly irrelevant it may be, will be thoroughly investigated. Detectives are collecting and reviewing numerous videos collected from security systems around the area. Physical evidence continues to be analyzed by the forensics team, and results are pending. At the present time, we continue to work with the surviving victim to develop a composite drawing of the person who committed this crime. We intend to develop the most accurate likeness of the offender as possible, and to forward it to the media and the public without delay. We understand this is critical information, and that it is eagerly anticipated. Please keep in mind this takes time. We continue to ask for the public’s help. We are looking for a male African American, approximately 5”10” tall, he is described as being large framed, but with his weight proportionate to his size. He is roughly between 25 and 35 years of age, with a medium complexion. He has 3 to 5 corn rows of hair from the front to the back of his head. These rows are described as being “puffy.” There was one braid of hair hanging down over the right side of his face, with four light green beads in the braid. At the time the crime was committed, he was clean shaven, wearing black jeans with some type of rhinestone-type embroidery on the back pocket. He also wore a charcoal gray knit cap, and a black jacket that went below the waist. It is quite possible the appearance of this criminal has changed since last Saturday. We ask that anyone who may have been in the area of the Brookside Marketplace at between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 2nd to call the Tip Hotline at 708-444-5394. Thank you for your help. There are over 50 detectives assigned to this case, who have together logged over 2000 investigative hours since last Saturday. Each one of those men and women is dedicated to bringing the murderer to justice. In the Task Force Squad Room, a photograph of each of the six victims in this case is taped to the wall. Everyone involved in this case is working for those six victims, and for their families.
Media Release 1100 hours, February 6, 2008
In an effort to provide you with the most accurate information regarding this investigation, I would like to confirm and clarify some details. As the investigation continues, there is a considerable amount of information and evidence that needs to be evaluated. We want to ensure the public that any information that is important for them to be made aware of will be released as the investigation progresses. I am sure you will understand that some of the information is sensitive to the integrity of the investigation, and must be closely reviewed before release. Our primary objectives will always be the capture of this individual and the consideration to the victims. Firstly, we can now confirm reports that one of the victims was the target of sexual advances by the offender, in that she was fondled. There was no further sexual contact beyond that. Secondly, a cleared picture of the offender is coming to light. He is now described as having 3 to 5 “puffy” corn rows that go back from the front of his head, with one strand with green beads hanging over his right cheek. He is also described as being large framed, with weight proportionate to his height. Some reports have erroneously indicated the subject wore a red jacket. That information is incorrect. The subject wore a black jacket, as was indicated in the initial descriptions. I would like to stress, this description is what the offender looked like at the time of the crime on Saturday morning. We continue to investigate a large number of leads in this case. We continue to request the public to call the Tip Hotline at 708-444-5394 with any possible information they may have, regardless of how trivial it may at first seem. We are asking that anyone who was anywhere in the Brookside Marketplace prior 11 AM on Saturday to contact us. As a reminder, Crime Stoppers is offering a $1000 reward for each victim for information that leads to the arrest the offender. In addition, the Lane Bryant company has offered a $50,000 reward for the arrest and prosecution of this criminal. At this time I would like to read a statement written by the surviving victim. I quote: On Saturday, February second, an unspeakable tragedy occurred and five of the bravest women I have ever met were senselessly murdered and taken from their families. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to their families and friends. Please know that during the unfathomable events of that day their thoughts were focused on you and coming home. My heart aches that they were unable to do so, and I am working with the authorities in any way possible for all of the victims. I ask that the media please respect all of our families and allow us to grieve and cope privately with the horrific crime that ripped our worlds apart. I also ask that everyone respect that neither I nor my family can discuss the horrible events of that day. I thank everybody who has expressed concern and ask that any person who can assist in the investigation contact the authorities immediately.
Media Release 1100 hours Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The Tinley Park Police Department, in conjunction with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, is continuing with the investigation into the murders which occurred last Saturday. The people who are working this case are following up on the numerous leads and tips that they have developed. As of this time, there have been over 90 tips left on the Tip Hotline, which is operational 24 hours a day. I would like to repeat the Hotline phone number: 708-444-5394. We encourage anyone with potential information about the case to call this number. I can strongly assure you, we will leave no stone unturned. We are asking that any hair salons or barber shops that perform hair braiding as described on the suspect to review their clientele, and call the Tip Hotline if they recognize this individual’s description. Please keep in mind this is a very complex investigation. The officers and investigators assigned to this case are working diligently to bring it to a successful conclusion.
Since the first day of the tragedy, each victim’s family has been assigned a police officer to act as liaison between themselves and the police department. We want to do everything we can to keep them informed, and to provide any additional assistance and support they may require.
In addition, in order to provide better accommodations for the media, we have arranged to have future press conferences inside the warehouse across the street from the police department.
Media Release
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