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Committee member presses for answers on in‑custody injury; state's attorney says sheriff investigating and HIPAA limits disclosure
Summary
A committee member asked about a 19‑year‑old accused in a Downers Grove homicide who was reported injured in jail; State's Attorney Connor told the committee the sheriff is conducting an ongoing investigation and cautioned that HIPAA limits what can be publicly discussed.
A DuPage County committee member asked for information about a 19‑year‑old accused in the Downers Grove homicide who was reported injured in jail, and whether the injury was self‑inflicted. The exchange occurred during new business at the Feb. 3 Judicial & Public Safety Committee meeting.
Member Dessart said constituents had asked why the accused was injured in jail and noted a newspaper report that described the injury as "thought to be, unquote, self inflicted." The member asked State's Attorney Connor to address the matter.
State's Attorney Connor responded that the sheriff's office is conducting an ongoing investigation and that events transpired recently. Connor said, "I'd also note with regards to the medical condition of the individual... the sheriff is currently a health in a health care provider role with regards to that, so I would be cautious about what could be publicly discussed about the injuries due to, HIPAA." Connor recommended waiting for the sheriff's investigation results before placing the matter on a future agenda or considering executive session.
Member Zay commented that individuals who wish to harm themselves may succeed despite precautions and said he looked forward to the sheriff's findings.
No new factual details about the injury were disclosed at the meeting. The committee did not take formal action on the matter; members said they would await the sheriff's investigation and consider agendaing it later if appropriate.
