The Clinton County State’s Attorney’s office is now tasked with investigating the death of a Murray Center resident which occurred in March of this year. On Thursday, November 12, the Marion County Coroner’s office determined the death at Murray Center was a homicide, reverting the homicide back to Clinton County for investigation.
According to State Rep. Charlie Meier, “The Murray Parents Association and myself addressed our concerns with the Department of Human Services on numerous occasions about the safety and well-being of the residents at Murray Center. The Quinn administration hired unqualified employees and didn’t provide adequate training, they just didn’t care because they planned on closing Murray Center. We are saddened and outraged to learn the death was a homicide. We look forward to justice being served.”
The homicide without a doubt is tragic news for those who have loved ones and friends living at Murray Center. However, the positive news is the fact that the death was initially investigated by the Rauner administration. Unlike, in September 2013 a former resident of Murray Center named Barbie died after being moved. The former resident was cremated within hours by the Quinn administration, hindering the ability to investigate further.
Rep. Meier added, “we applaud the Rauner administration for investigating this tragic death which otherwise would have been overlooked by the previous administration. I anticipate the investigation will ensure safeguards are put in place to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.”