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Family, clergy and residents demand answers as Dolton officials say charging decision rests with Cook County
Summary
Family members and community leaders pressed Dolton officials for updates on the May 21 killing of Capri Austin, saying the business where the shooting occurred remains open; the police chief said detectives are collecting evidence and the Cook County State's Attorney will make charging decisions.
Family members and clergy pressed Dolton officials for answers at the village board meeting on June 1, demanding to know why no one has been charged in the May 21 killing of Capri Austin.
"My son is dead and nobody has been charged," said Natalie Norman, Capri's mother, during the public‑comment period, urging the village to explain what is delaying charges. Speakers repeatedly called for the business where the shooting occurred to be closed during the ongoing investigation.
Chief Jeffrey Chess told the meeting that the Dolton Police Department has been investigating, collecting evidence and consulting with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. "Charging decisions ... are the decision of the Cook County State's Attorney, not the Dolton Police Department," he said, describing forensic analysis and felony review as steps that can take time.
Capri's father, Shaneer Austin, said he and the family will keep pressing for accountability. "All I'm asking is please get it done," he told trustees. Clergy and activists — including Reverend DRC Kent and community organizer Sher Hill — joined the family in decrying delays and urging tangible next steps beyond assurances about process.
Several residents raised broader concerns about police follow‑up on witnesses and public communication. Diane Over Street told the board she was never contacted with a written report after an April 5 drive‑by left bullets in her property; the deputy chief agreed to follow up and provide documentation for her insurance.
Mayor House and trustees expressed condolences and said they are making lines of communication available to the family. The mayor said overtime was authorized to assist investigators and pledged the village would continue to cooperate with the State's Attorney's Office.
The board did not take formal action on the shooting at the meeting; trustees noted that charging decisions and prosecutions are controlled by the Cook County State's Attorney. Community members said they will continue to attend meetings and press for updates until charges are filed or further information is provided.
