Chicago City Wire

Illinois State Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) is outraged over Gov. J.B. Pritzker's (D-IL) decision to commute the sentence for a man convicted of killing an elderly man and shooting a police officer.

Stephens, who also serves as the Mayor of Rosemont, took to Facebook to express his opinion that Pritzker's Prisoner Review Board prioritizes criminals.

"Governor Pritzker's Prisoner Review Board continues to put criminals before victims," Stephens wrote in the post. "Releasing these violent offenders not only causes more pain for the victims and their families it shows a complete lack of respect for their rights."

According to The Center Square, Pritzker and his appointed review board shortened Kensley Hawkins' nearly 100-year sentence. Hawkins' was convicted of the murder of a 65-year-old man and shooting former Chicago Police Officer Robert Mizera in 1980. Mizera said during a press conference he only learned about Hawkins' release through email and was never asked about his opinion on the matter. Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara added that if an officer or their family can't get justice, the average person doesn't have a chance. Since Pritzker has taken office, more than 20 criminals have had their sentences commuted. 

Jenner & Block, the firm that represented Hawkins as part of The Illinois Prison Project's pro bono program, was "overjoyed" about his release and return to his family. Lisa Schoedel represented Hawkins, and according to a post on the firm's website her "commitment and dedication to Mr. Hawkins and his case paid off."

World Population Review noted that 17% of people released from prison in Illinois will return within a year, while 43% will be re-incarcerated within three years.