© 2024 NPR Illinois
The Capital's Community & News Service
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State Failed To Keep Tabs On Decatur Murder Suspect

flickr/katerha

Lawmakers say an early prison release law doesn't need changing despite a mistake in which a parolee now charged with murder was not properly monitored.
 
Joshua A. Jones was set free in May five months early. He was charged with a Decatur murder three months later.
Documents and Associated Press interviews show Jones was supposed to be electronically monitored but was not. State prison officials say an employee
faces discipline.

Republican Rep. Jim Sacia of Pecatonica calls the mistake ``unimaginable.'' He says it shows the need for holding employees accountable.
 
Chicago Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul says a worker's error doesn't mean the system is flawed.
 
The lawmakers were sponsors of a 2012 early-release law that replaced one shut down in 2009 following a scandal.

Related Stories