Sentencing delayed for ex-cop shot 28 times

By Starla Muhammad -Staff Writer- | Last updated: Mar 7, 2012 - 10:57:18 AM

Rosalind and Horward Morgan

CHICAGO - The attorneys for Howard Morgan, the former city police officer whose controversial second trial and conviction sparked an angry backlash amongst the grassroots activist community here, filed a motion for a new trial and will also comb through file transcripts in efforts to begin an appeal.

Courtroom 600 at the Cook County Criminal Court was jam packed and the hallway overflowed with supporters and well-wishers of Mr. Morgan and his family for the Feb. 21 sentencing hearing. The judge rescheduled the sentencing for April 5.

Mr. Morgan was found guilty Jan. 27 of four counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery stemming from a 2005 altercation with four White Chicago police officers. Mr. Morgan, who is Black was pulled over for a traffic stop and after a struggle, was shot 28 times by officers, 21 of which were to the back.

Supporters Feb. 21 were told by a Cook County sheriff’s deputy to leave the courtroom because Mr. Morgan would not be sentenced and to make room for those who were there to attend hearings for other defendants. However, Mr. Morgan’s supporters remained vigilant and did not move.

Horward Morgan recovering from gunshot wounds

As Mr. Morgan entered the courtroom in the tan jail issued uniform, with his walking cane, supporters stood up in solidarity as he proceeded to blow a kiss to his wife and briefly wave to those that back his struggle (See The Final Call Volume 31 No. 17, 18 and 20 for prior coverage). Activists vow to return and pack the court again with even more supporters April 5.

“It’s been a very traumatic time for us and a very traumatic time for him,” Rosalind Morgan, wife of Mr. Morgan said to a television reporter while surrounded by a crowd peacefully chanting, “Free Howard Morgan!”

Many in the community vow to continue efforts to free Mr. Morgan and are asking the public to sign a petition at www.freehowardmorgan.com and to visit www.facebook.com/freehowardmorgan.

Trial of officer shot 28 times, reopens wounds (01-30-2012)

Mistrial declared for former cop shot 28 times by police (FCN, 06-01-2007)

The Final Call