Chicago, IL—Some seven years ago on February 21, 2005, Howard Morgan wound up in a gunfight with several cops that he lost in a big way. When it was over Morgan was shot 25 times. What’s amazing is that he lived. Three of the patrol officers were also wounded, presumably by Morgan who was a lawfully armed off duty railroad cop. Morgan previously served asa Chicago cop.I really have no problem with the amount of times Morgan was shot considering the ineffectiveness of the 9MM round the patrol officers were using.
The incident reportedly began when Morgan was observed driving without headlights around 1:00 AM in an area known for drugs and vice activities.
The big mystery here to me was a motive for Morgan to start shooting. I’m still waiting to hear one. Perhaps we will never know. The Howard Morgan gunfight was followed with all kinds of racial profiling accusations. This seems to be a case of Morgan being the only clear defense witness being outnumbered by at least four patrol officers testifying for the prosecution.
Morgan was tried but the first jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. It took seven very long years to try this case and this time Morgan was convicted on every count. Morgan now faces far more years in prison than he’s got left on earth.
I called this case strange because trying to suggest a reason for Morgan to begin shooting is difficult. That kind of traffic stop would never have resulted in even a citation given under the circumstances since Morgan was a cop. Cops always treat each other very well regardless of race. It's indeed a rare day when one cop writes another cop a traffic citation.
This sad chapter has ended with severe changes to at least four lives. I wish I could feel that justice was served but frankly I don’t have enough information beyond pure faith in the Cook County Criminal Justice System. Okay I confess that there’s not much real justice in Cook County. Let’s hope this jury somehow got it right.
Comments
I defend cops in trouble all the time and hope that the reasonable doubt goes in their favor. It’s better that we let some guilty SOB go free than convict an innocent.
A conviction never can undo the hurt, damage or return the dead to life. It’s a hollow victory for “justice” that provides little satisfaction.
Morgan may well have gotten even less than he deserves. The biggest problem I have is trying to figure out the motive.
For any cops who hate my take on this story think of me when you or a fellow cop is falsely accused. I will support and defend the reasonable doubt until death.
Put your contempt where it belongs on the scum you elect to spend your money.
When I do this so many people are convinced we will all die if the politicians can’t get the revenue with crap like parking and photo traffic citations.
Cops really hate this crap because we are put in the middle and get the constant grief from the victimized public.
Some traffic enforcement is necessary but about 10% of what’s being handed out.
Cops don’t make a lot of money and every profession has its unique perks. Cops and very close family members get a pass on most minor traffic violations. That’s not a big deal.
We have the extortion/revenue game more than anybody. We know that the politicians and their pals are stealing billions every year.
Congress and the legislatures create every possible public records obstacle in the name of privacy to avoid detection. They design the laws so they can use our taxes like their personal ATMs.
January 28, 2012 4:34 PM
Right sleeve buddy. It's there all fucking day. Another one who never went to the trial.
This is why another patrol car was nearby to assit the citywide unit.
When they stopped him he got out of the car and a scuffle began. He shot two Patrolmen. They kept pumping rounds into him but he wouldnt go down.
He was trans to Mt. Siani hosp. and he was begging for EMS to let him die. Unfortunately they didnt.
Anyhow, he was probably the guy who was shooting and thought the PO's knew. Or, he was just another savage.
They pumped 25 to 28 rounds in him and he didn't go down. I know he is a black man, but not Superman. Oh, the eye witness lied, after being threatened not to testify, and brought to court under protective custody? The eye witness testified that he was pulled from his car to the ground and when they saw he had a gun on him, and the rookies pumped rounds in him. Doesn't that make since, with the officers knowing shots had been fired in that area. If you saw someone with a gun, would you wait for him to fire at you first?