Jaimie Cox - Police Officer Fatality - Rockford, Illinois

Jamie Cox

Police Officer Jaimie Cox, age 30, died in the line of duty on November 5, 2017, at a hospital in Rockford, Illinois.

Officer Cox was a member of the Rockford Police Department. He had 1 year of service. He had previously served with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division of Law Enforcement.

Rockford is a city of just under 155,000 in northern Illinois.

At about 1:00 a.m., Jamie was conducting a traffic stop at a city intersection. A scuffle between Jamie and the driver broke out. A shot was fired. Jaimie was somehow dragged by the fleeing vehicle.

Jamie was rushed to a local hospital where, tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that fled, Eddie Paterson, age 49, was found deceased in his vehicle. The cause of death has not been released as of this date. 

Jamie graduated from Hononegah Community High School and and later from Northern Illinois University. 

Michael, Patron Saint of the
Police, pray for Jaimie and
for those who have
lost him. 

Jamie was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and had served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Illinois National Guard Abraham Lincoln Medal of Freedom Ribbon.

He was honorably discharged in 2010. 

The members of the Rockford Police Department are in mourning over the death of their young brother. Jaimie was one of the good guys. He will be forever remembered.

Jaimie's loved ones are devastated by his sudden and tragic death. He was loved. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Jamie is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife.

Thank you for your service to America and to the community, Jaimie. 

God save us from the Lost Ones who bring death to others. They are killing us, Father. Amen.

Pray that Jamie is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Randy Tompkins - a Good Samaritan in Dixon, Illinois

Randy Tompkins

On June 2, 2017, Police Officers on a roadway in Dixon, Illinois, noticed a car drifting out of its lane and into oncoming traffic near an intersection. The car went through a red light.

At about 4:00 p.m., Randy Tompkins, age 39, and his wife were in their truck in the same area. Randy also noticed that the car was drifting out of control.

Randy felt that the driver may have been having a seizure or a medical emergency.

Randy sprinted over to the slowly drifting vehicle and dove straight through the open window and put on the emergency brake.

Randy prevented a motor vehicle accident from taking place.

Randy said that he was no hero; he just did it and didn't think about it.

The Dixon Police Department stated: "We want to thank Tompkins for his heroism and for coming to a complete stranger's aid today!"

Randy Tompkins is a Good Samaritan. 

Good Samaritans reach out to
strangers in times of distess.

Good Samaritans are the everyday heroes of the modern era.

God bless Randy Tompkins and all who step up to help strangers in times of distress. Amen.

Jaime Arceo - a Robbery Victim - Chicago, Illinois

Jaime Arceo

Jaime Arceo, age 19, died on May 7, 2017, at a hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Jaime was working the late shift at his father's restaurant in the Montclare neighbourhood of northwest Chicago.

Just before 3:00 a.m., a man in a ski mask entered through the back of the restaurant and shot a 22 year old restaurant worker in the back. The man then fired at Jaime mortally wounding him.

The suspect took some money and fled the scene.

Both Jaime and the other worker were rushed to local hospitals. Tragically, several hours later, Jaime passed away from his injuries.

The other worker is in stable condition as of this posting.

Anyone with information that may lead to an arrest or charges should call Chicago Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP.

To the thief who killed Jaime, we ask this question: What does it profit a man if he

Angels of God, pray for Jaime and for those
who have lost him.

gains the whole world and loses his own soul?

Jaime's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was a good kid who was just starting out in life. He tried to do the right thing. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Jaime is survived by many loving friends and family members who will forever miss him.

Pray for justice for Jaime.

Pray for all who go to work and who die because of it.

Pray for all who die young. They barely had a chance to live.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father. Amen.

Pray that Jaime is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

China Howard - a teen girl bullied to death in Chicago, Illinois

China Howard, age 13, died on December 17, 2016, at her home in Chicago, Illinois. 

China Howard

Tragically, China committed suicide. 

Her family has stated that China was bullied at school and online which ultimately led to her death. China kept the bullying a secret from her mother and didn't show any signs of depression. 

If you are considering ending your life or if you just need someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, day or night. A skilled counselor will be able to help you.

To any teens who are reading this:

~ Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.
~ Do not contribute to another's downfall. Tomorrow or five years from now, it could be you who is being humiliated.
~There is nothing cool about human suffering.

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, who said:
"I am ground like a grain of wheat", pray
for China and for all who are ground
down by bullying. 

A funding site has been set up to help the family with expenses. 

China was in the eighth grade and an honor student at Arnold Mireles Academy. 

China's loved ones are devastated over her tragic and unnecessary death. She was a wonderful daughter and a sweet girl who was loving, caring and full of life. She will be forever mourned.

China is survived by many loving friends and family members who will forever miss her. 

Pray for all who are tormented.

Pray for all who die young. They barely had a chance to live.

Pray that China is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

James Brockmeyer - Police Officer Fatality - Chester, Illinois

James Brockmeyer

Police Officer James Brockmeyer, age 22, died in the line of duty on October 28, 2016, in Chester, Illinois.

Officer Brockmeyer was a member of the Chester Police Department. He had under one year of service. 

Chester is a city of under 9,000 located 340 miles southwest of Chicago.

At about 10:00 p.m., James was pursuing a vehicle on a rural roadway several miles north of Chester. The driver of the vehicle, Jason Michael Stoker, age 34, of Chester, was wanted by the Police on several charges. He has a lengthy criminal record. 

During the pursuit, James' patrol car left the road and overturned. Tragically, James died of his injuries. 

Jason Stoker is still at large as of this posting. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office at 618-826-5484 or Illinois State Police at 618-542-2171.

James had been involved in firefighting since he was 16 years old.  He did a great deal of volunteering for the community. 

He had graduated from the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy in April.

Michael, Patron Saint of the Police, pray for
James and for those who have lost him. 

The Chester Police Department is in mourning over the death of their young brother. Police officials state that James was a very well-respected man in the community and a dedicated and professional officer. He will be forever remembered.

James' loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

James is survived by many loving friends and family members including his parents, his sister and his girlfriend.

Thank you for your service to the community, James. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. 

Pray for justice for James.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that James is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Braden Garnett and the Good Samaritans in Pekin, Illinois

Braden Garnett is an 11 year old boy living in Pekin, Illinois. 

Braden Garnett

Pekin is part of the Peoria statistical area. 

Braden has medical conditions including Asperger's, dyslexia and a condition that causes the misalignment of his eyes. 

He is in Grade 5 at an elementary school. 

Braden is often bullied by his school mates. He is called a cross-eyed freak. He is also told he is not good at kickball. 

Over the years not many of his school mates have wanted to attend his birthday parties. This year his mother sent out 36 invitations to his classmates but only two responded that they would attend. 

Therefore, Braden's mother, Carrie Garnett, asked members of the Pekin Police Department if they would attend Braden's birthday paintball party. 

More than a dozen police officers, firefighters, the Police Chief and the Mayor all showed up at the paintball venue. Some of them brought their own kids. 

They purchased a police station Lego set as a gift for Braden. 

Braden's birthday was a great day for him. He was beaming. 

God bless all who reach out to
others. 

A police detective stated: "We are people. Just like him. Real struggles, you know. Real feelings. And real families."

Braden wants to be a police officer or a firefighter when he grows up. 

Wherever you see bullying, stand up against it. Intervene if you can. 

Parents of elementary school kids, tell your children this:

~ Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.

~ Do not contribute to another's downfall. Tomorrow or five years from now, it could be you who is being humiliated and scorned.
~There is never anything cool about human suffering.

God bless the Good Samaritans in Pekin, Illinois. Amen. 

God bless all who step up to help others in need. Amen. 

Pray that Braden achieves all of the goals he sets for himself. 

Eric Kohlbauer - Firefighter - Freeport, Illinois

Eric Kohlbauer

Captain Eric Kohlbauer, age 52, died in the line of duty on July 12, 2016, at a hospital in Freeport, Illinois.

Captain Kohlbauer was a volunteer member of the Freeport Rural Fire Department. He had almost 30 years of service. The rural fire department serves the area outside of the city limits of Freeport.

Freeport is about 115 miles west and north of Chicago.

Eric was undergoing a training session with the Department. It was a pumper relay drill. He suddenly collapsed. Firefighters performed first aid and rushed him to a local hospital where, tragically, he passed away from a cardiac issue.

Eric graduated from Freeport High School in 1982. He worked for the Stephenson County Sheriff's Department and for Stewart Security. He was a member of the Silver Creek Reformed Church.

The Freeport Rural Fire Department is in mourning over the death of their brother.

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Eric
and for those who have
lost him. 

Eric was a hard worker and a valued asset to the Department. He was a friend to many. He will be forever remembered.

Eric's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was helpful to others and had a kind spirit. He loved his family and was loved in return. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Eric is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his mother, Mary Ellen; his brothers Mike and Don; his sisters Claire and Diane; his wife Cathy; his sons Grant and Garrett; and special friend Randi Wilken.

Thank you for your service to the community, Eric. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die suddenly. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Eric is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Daniel Capuano - Firefighter Fatality - Chicago, Illinois

Daniel Capuano

Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Capuano, age 42, died in the line of duty on December 14, 2015, at a hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

Firefighter Capuano was a member of the Chicago Fire Department. He was assigned to Tower/Ladder 34. He had 15 years of service with the Department. Previously he had worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Lemont Fire Protection District.

After 2:30 a.m., Daniel was one of many firefighters who attended a vacant warehouse fire in the Southside area of Chicago. He was inside of the building and was working in heavy smoke conditions looking for the source of the fire. He fell two floors down an open elevator shaft.

Daniel was rushed to a nearby hospital where, tragically, he died of his injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Friends describe Dan as a "rock in the community" and a great guy.

The members of the Chicago Fire Department are in mourning over the death of their

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Dan and
for those who have lost him.

brother. He had a sense of humor and was uptempo. He was also a professional who died in the service of Chicago. He was proud to be doing his job.  Dan will be forever remembered.

Dan's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He loved his work. He was a loving husband and father and he was loved in return. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Dan is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his parents; two brothers; his wife, Julie, and their three children.

Thank you for your service to the community, Daniel.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Daniel is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Mohammad Eid - a store clerk killed in Joliet, Illinois

Mohammad Eid, age 24, died on January 19, 2015, at a hospital in Joliet, Illinois. 

Mohammad Eid

He worked at his family's convenience store in Joliet. 

At about 3:00 p.m., two men entered the store and demanded money.  One had a gun. Mohammad pulled out his own gun and started firing. 

Mohammad was shot in the chest and killed in the exchange of gunfire as was one of the suspects, Troy Norris, age 24.  Troy Norris was on parole and had been arrested by the Police 15 times in recent years. 

The second suspect fled the scene and escaped. 

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 815-724-3020 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734.

Many of his customers and friends knew Mohammad as "Mo".  He is the son of the store's owner. 

Customers stated that Mohammad knew many of them by name and was an all-around good man.  He was pleasant, kind and helpful. He had a sense of humor and was a joker.  He would often give the local kids candy or chips. He was

Angels of God, pray for Mohammad and for those
who have lost him

just trying to do his job. 

We put this question to the thief who killed Mohammad:  What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?

Mohammad's loved ones are devastated over his senseless and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Mohammad is survived by many loving friends and family members. 

Pray for justice for Mohammad. 

Pray for all who go to work and who die there.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Mohammad is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Aaron Proctor - a Good Samaritan in Chicago, Illinois

Aaron Proctor

Aaron Proctor, age 30, was working on January 7, 2014, at his place of employment, the Midas auto shop at Roosevelt and Canal in Chicago.

At about 9:00 a.m., a 48 year old woman bicyclist was passing near to the shop when she was struck by a truck. She became pinned under the truck and was dragged almost half a block.

Aaron Proctor heard the sound of the collision and ran over to assist in whatever way he could. He ran back to the shop and got a heavy duty jack which he used to lift the vehicle off the woman as much as he could. He talked to her to keep her aware and to try to keep her conscious.

Firefighters took over with the extraction process and the

The Good Samaritan comes
to the aid of strangers,
selflessly

woman was rushed to a local Chicago hospital. She was treated and released from the hospital.

The driver of the truck has been cited for failing to yield.

Aaron denies that he is a hero and gives all of the credit for the rescue to the Chicago Fire Department.

His co-workers at Midas stated that Aaron did the right thing and that they are proud of him.

Aaron Proctor is a Good Samaritan.

God bless him and all who come to the aid of strangers. They are the heroes of the modern era. 

God knows we need more men like Aaron in this world.

Miguel Haro - a construction worker killed during a robbery in Chicago, Illinois

Miguel Haro

Miguel Haro, age 44, of Cicero, Illinois, died on December 21, 2014, at a hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

He and another man were doing rehab construction work at a residence in Englewood. They had just gotten paid. At about 5:40 p.m., two armed men approached Miguel and his coworker and ordered them to kneel. The robbers took the money and cellphone of the coworker and struck him with a gun.

Miguel was reluctant to hand over his wallet and tried to flee the scene and as a result he was shot. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

If you have any information about this crime, you are urged to contact Chicago Crimestoppers (anonymously) at 1-800-535-STOP.

The Chicago Firefighters Union stepped up to the plate and solicited donations from City firefighters who generously contributed to a number of gifts for the Haro family and the kids.

We put this question to the thieves who killed Miguel: What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?

Miguel had emigrated from Mexico and had been in the Chicago area for over 20

Mary, pray for Miguel and
for those who have
lost him

years.

Miguel's loved ones are devastated over his senseless and tragic death. Family members said that Miguel was doing extra work to earn money to buy Christmas presents. They describe him as a good person who never harmed anyone. He was well-liked, generous, hard-working and honest. He lived a simple life. He did the best he could to support his family and to send some money back to his mother and father in Mexico.

Miguel is survived by many loving friends and family members including his wife, Alejandra; and his two daughters, ages 10 and 4. He will be forever mourned.

Pray for justice for Miguel.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Miguel is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Anthony Avila - a 13 year old bullied and beaten in Joliet, Illinois

Anthony Avila

Anthony Avila, age 13, was badly beaten on June 2, 2014, on the way home from junior high school in Joliet, Illinois. 

He was beaten in a bullying incident by four boys from his junior high school.  The beatdown was filmed. The boys then posted this video on the internet. Apparently they are proud of this incident. 

Anthony was treated for a concussion and other injuries. 

Anthony stated that these boys had been on his case for months and his pleas for help have gone unanswered. 

Anthony transferred to Gompers Junior High School five months ago.  He said that he

Angels of God, pray for all who
are bullied and tormented

thought he'd go to his new school and be welcomed.  He wasn't.  He has stated that he is somewhat shy and some kids at the school perceived this wrongly and called him a "devil worshipper" and other names. 

The school superintendent stated that several students have been suspended for their roles in the fight. Joliet police are now investigating. 

The issue here is not about Anthony or who he is or how he acts.  The issue is about the jerks who think that it is cool to beat another kid and potentially cause him brain damage. And they are proud of it.  That is the issue.   

Were these nasty ass brats raised by wolves?  Where are their parents?  

Where is the Joliet School Division in all of this?  Now, you suspend four dickwads but where were you before this incident happened?  None of your teachers or principals or teachers aids or even the janitor saw this kid, Anthony, being pushed around?   Are you all in a daze?  

Pray for Anthony and for all who are bullied by the freaks and the tormentors.  

God save us from the bullies.  Amen. 

Anita Grace and Nita Smith - Bank clerks murdered in Cairo, Illinois

Anita Grace, age 52, and Nita Smith, age 52, died on May 15, 2014, at medical facilities in Illinois. 

Both women were employees of a First National Bank in Cairo, Illinois. 

Anita Grace (L); Nita Smith (Mid); James Watts (R)

At about 5:00 p.m. on that date, three bank employees were leaving the bank for the day when a man forced them back inside. He had a gun and a knife and intended to rob the place. In the altercation that followed, Anita and Nita and a 23 year old female employee were all stabbed. Tragically, Anita Grace and Nita Smith died from their wounds. 

James Watts, age 29, of Cairo, has been arrested in connection with this crime. He has previously served time for the sexual abuse of a child and for forgery. He just got out of prison a month ago.

Friends describe both victims as kind and loving.

Anita Grace was from Olive Branch, Illinois and was the president of the Cairo Bank

Jesus, pray for Anita and for Nita

Branch. She had 27 years of service. Friends stated that she was a kind soul and a friend to everyone. She was very active in the community and served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations. She loved her family deeply. She was a member of the Alexander Free Will Baptist Church.

Nita Smith was a longtime Bank Teller. She grew up in St. Clair, Missouri. She was a 1980 graduate of St. Clair High School. She liked to travel and liked the outdoors. She had recently become a grandmother. Friends describe her as a fantastic person who got along well with everybody.

The families and friends of these women are devastated by their sudden and senseless deaths. They will be forever mourned.

Anita and Nita are survived by many loved ones. Oceans of tears will be shed for these women.

Pray for all who go to work and who die because of it.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Anita Grace is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray that Nita Smith is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

David Harris - Law Enforcement - Chicago, Illinois

David Harris

Officer David Harris, age 42, died on March 14, 2014, on a street in Chicago.

David was a member of the Chicago Police Department. He was a member of a special team assigned to trouble spots on Chicago's South Side. He had 10 1/2 years of service with the Chicago Department.  He had previously worked with the Maywood Police Department from 1997 to 2003.  

Officer Harris was off duty and driving home just before 1:00 a.m., after completion of his late shift, when a van plowed into his vehicle and pushed it against a light pole, crushing it. Officer Harris died at the scene of the collision. 

The van was being pursued by an officer of the Calumet Park Police Department. The 31 year old female driver was injured in the crash.  Several bags of grass were found in her vehicle. She has no driver's license and has been stopped numerous times in the past for speeding and disregarding traffic signals.  She also has a history of retail theft and shoplifting. 

The circumstances of the police chase are under investigation.

The Chicago Police Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. 

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray
for David and for
those who have lost him

Officer Harris had earned 87 department awards, including two commendations, a joint operations award and a unit meritorious performance award during his time with the Department.

Police comrades at the Maywood Police Department stated that David was one their best men.  He had potential.  He is also described as a man of faith, who took his job seriously.

Friends stated that he was helpful, hard-working, well-liked, a good man and a good father. 

David's family are devastated by his tragic and senseless death. He will be forever mourned. 

David is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife and his two young sons.

Thank you for your service to the public, David.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

Pray that David is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Ashaya Miller - murdered in Calumet City, Illinois

Ashaya Miller, age 15, died on March 17, 2013, in Calumet City, Illinois. 

Ashaya was from Hammond, Indiana. She was visiting relatives in south suburban Calumet City.

Someone shot through the kitchen window, striking Ashaya twice in the back and a male cousin in the elbow. It is not believed that Ashaya was the intended victim in this attack. 

Police are asking that anyone with information on this case call the Calumet City Police or leave an anonymous tip at (708) 891-7867.

Angels of God, pray for Ashaya

Ashaya was a Thornton High School sophomore. She loved art and had dreams of working in the fashion industry. 

Ashaya is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her mother and step-father; and a brother and two sisters.

The family is deeply grieving over this senseless murder. 

God save us from the Lost Ones who stalk the Earth stealing away life. Amen. 

Pray for justice for Ashaya. 

Let us pray that Ashaya is in heaven. Let us pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Anandkumar Jaiswal - gas station clerk murdered in Streamwood, Illinois

Anandkumar Jaiswal, age 24, died on March 16, 2013, at a gas station in Streamwood, Illinois.

Streamwood is a suburb of Chicago.

He was known as "Andy" to his colleagues.

Anandkumar was working as a clerk at the gas station. He was found by Police at 4:30 a.m. He had been repeatedly stabbed in a robbery attempt.

He was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead at 5:30 a.m.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Streamwood Police Department investigations division at (630) 736-3700. Confidential and anonymous information can be left on the crime tip line at (630) 736-3719.

Family members describe Anandkumar as good-natured. He had come to the U.S. from India 3 years ago hoping to attend college.

He is also described as pleasant and calm. He never had confrontations with anyone.

Many of his family relied upon him for financial support.

Anandkumar is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his father, Narendra and his mother, Maltiben.

God save us from the Lost Ones who stalk the Earth stealing away life. Amen. 

Let us pray that Anandkumar is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.