Illinois Teen Says He Was Bribed By Cops With McDonald’s Into Confession
A Waukegan, Illinois 15-year old was accused in a shooting that took place miles from where he actually was, but police allegedly tried to bribe him into confessing by offering fast food. Now his family is demanding accountability.
The family of Martell Williams, 15, demanded a public apology Monday (Feb. 21) after he was cleared of the Feb. 4 shooting of an employee at a Dollar Store. While he was in custody, officers wanted the Illinois teen to confess in exchange for a McDonald's meal, he says.
Williams’ family members and attorney stood with him at a press conference in front of the Waukegan Police Department, Chicago station WGN reports. “They need to apologize and say he didn’t do this,” a family member said.
On Feb. 16, his school’s dean pulled Williams from class and walked him to her office. “And once I reached her office, there were two police officers. As soon as I got in, they didn't tell me nothing, say nothing to me. They just said, 'You're under arrest,' " he said, according to local Chicago station WLS.
“Try to bribe him with McDonald’s saying, ‘look. Just tell us you were there.’ They don’t even tell him about a shooting. ‘Just tell us you were there and we’ll have you home in ten minutes,'” Williams’ attorney, Kevin O’Connor, said.
Williams was charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery, and spent two nights in the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center.
But the case against him soon crumbled. The freshman’s family provided a time-stamped photograph that proved he was playing basketball for his high school in Lincolnshire on the night of the shooting.
O’Connor said authorities expunged Williams’ record but they should also issue a public apology. "This is a continuing and ongoing problem. The Department of Justice has been here, yet this is still going on, where there are false confessions brought in," he added.
In statements, authorities took note of the incident but did not immediately issue an apology.
“We are very concerned about the arrest of Martell Williams. Our office dropped the new charges as soon as the new information was presented to us by the Waukegan Police Department,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
Waukegan officials said, "The city is reviewing the case, but cannot make further public comment at this time. The city has been in contact with the juvenile's family and their attorney.”
WLS said the police department declined to address the situation directly but detectives are continuing their investigation into who actually shot the Dollar Store employee.
