All too often, news of a person’s disappearance fills the evening news programs. It is a family’s worst nightmare to have a missing relative whose whereabouts is unknown. Understandably, that person’s friends and relatives want answers and justice if foul play is suspected. Recently, one Chicago man has been charged with murder almost four years after his girlfriend went missing and was discovered dead.
The woman was reported missing in early April 2009. Unfortunately, her body was discovered in a Chicago river. An autopsy report ruled that she had been strangled and that she was the victim of a homicide.
For over four years, the police had arrested no one in her death. However, they say they have recently learned that she was with her boyfriend just before she disappeared. The 31-year-old has since been arrested and charged with murder. It is unclear how police discovered this information, how reliable their source may be or if it is possible that she may have came into contact with another person.
As in all criminal cases, including those involving a person who has been charged with murder, the accused has important rights. While most people are aware of their basic rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to an attorney, those without legal training may be unaware of all their rights or the actions to pursue in the event they are violated. Having someone with experience on their side can help ensure that he or she is treated fairly — and legally — while going through the criminal process in Chicago.
Source: CBS Chicago, “Man Charged With Murder In Girlfriend’s 2009 Death“, , Oct. 1, 2014