Chicago police host brunch to support families of violent crime victims

CHICAGO (WGN) – Families of victims of violent crimes gathered at a brunch put on by the Chicago Police Department Saturday to maintain a line of communication with each other.

“It’s a devastating loss. Some days I just don’t know how to feel; up and down,” Cherise Duckworth, who lost her son in a shooting, said.

It’s a feeling many parents in Saturday’s space can relate to, but they’re finding hope in healing together while also creating bonds though unimaginable loss with Chicago police detectives and support staff.

“That’s what my son always told me. He said, ‘I’ll always take care of you.’ Somebody’s taking care of me now,” Robbie Stevenson, who lost her son in a shooting, said.

The brunch was held at the Ellis Park Rooftop Terrace and was hosted by CPD’s Bureau of Detectives Family Liaison Office.

“An event like this is a huge motivator and reminds us of why we’re doing the work that we do,” Chief Antoinette Ursitti of CPD’s Bureau of Detectives said.

Ursitti said the families at Saturday’s event were in different stages of their individual journeys through grief, healing and the criminal justice process.

For some, the loss is far more recent, but no less painful.

“We’re always grateful when our families show up here because we do this for them, but there’s no doubt it impacts us when they come out and meet us,” Ursitti said.

Duckworth has been with the program through the family liaison office for two years and said it’s a blessing as it gives families access to therapy, resources, events to connect with other families and the investigators working on their cases.

“They think so many things about officers, but there are a lot of good officers and they’re here to help us and we appreciate that,” Duckworth said.

Stevenson’s son, Maurice, was 35 when he was killed in 2018. He was shot outside his home in Cottage Grove Heights after finishing his shift with the CTA.

Stevenson said she’s been inspired through the program to give back in a way that honors her son’s memory and keeps his story going, hoping that justice will follow one day.

“I’m not letting this go. It hasn’t been solved, but I keep on keeping on, because it gives me strength, motivation. These officers are beautiful. I never thought it would be like this,” Stevenson said. “Somebody’s helping me, so let me help somebody else.”

For the detectives working cases day in and day out, Saturday’s event allows them the chance to connect with families whose worst nightmare became their reason to fight for justice.

“We’re always grateful when our families show up here because we do this for them, but there’s no doubt it impacts us when they come out and meet us,” Ursitti said.