Daughter of Chicago Heights Mayor Arrested: Court Watch

Also, attorneys of the five Indiana men charged in an attack in a Tinley Park restaurant don't think the men will accept a plea deal recently offered by a Cook County judge.

Posted by Bridgette Outten, December 8, 2012 at 01:45 am

Homewood police arrested 20-year-old Monica Gonzalez, daughter of Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez, and two other men following reports of loud music and “girls hollering,” according to police.

Gonzalez faces charges of battery and possession of drug paraphernalia, after allegedly resisting arrest, kicking an officer on the scene and the discovery of a glass pipe in her purse.

In response to his daughter's actions, Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzales issued a statement to Patch that said he was "saddened" by the charges, and actions "certainly inconsistent with the behavior my wife and I have tried to instill in all of our children."

Patch rounds up the Southland's major criminal and civil cases being heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week.

COOK COUNTY

CHICAGO HEIGHTS: Teens Indicted in Connection with Fatal Shooting in Heights Park

Five teenagers will be arraigned later this month on various charges after a Chicago teen was shot and killed in a Chicago Heights park. Mikah Darko, 17, was shot near 15th and Hanover streets and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

Rhonzell F. Ard, 17, of Chicago Heights; Joshua A. Dean, 19, of Chicago; Derrell J. Edwards, 18, of Chicago; Cortez Hurst, 18, of Chicago Heights and Otis Pruitt, 19, of Chicago have all been charged with various felonies, including armed violence and mob action. They are scheduled to be back in court on Dec. 18.

ORLAND PARK: 78-Year-Old Father Says He Was Strangled by 'Demon' in Son

A 78-year-old local man testified in court that a demon caused his son to attack, choke and beat him.

George Williamson of Orland Park seemed reluctant to accuse his son, 46-year-old Mark Williamson, who has been charged with attempted murder and battery for the Nov. 11 incident — instead blaming the demon. Mark Williamson took care of his father, who has emphysema and heart disease, testimony revealed.

A public defender for Mark Williamson pointed out mental issues, saying he has not been taking his medication and hinted that he may use alcohol to self-medicate.

Williamson is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on Dec. 20.

PALOS:

A battery of psychological evaluations administered to a defendant in the Granat murders case this summer show that he isn't prone to violence and would not present a danger to himself or the community should he be released on bond, a psychiatrist testified.

The doctor testified at a bond hearing to get 18-year-old Mohammad Salahat's bail lowered. A Cook County judge will rule on the issue on Dec. 20.

TINLEY PARK: Ashford House 5 'Disappointed' by Plea Offer: Lawyers

Five Indiana men on trial for their involvement in the Ashford House attack case need time to consider a recommended sentence from a Cook County judge offering a plea deal.

John Tucker, 26; Cody Sutherlin, 24; Dylan Sutherlin, 20; Alex Stuck, 22; and Jason Sutherlin, 33, have been in custody since May. They are charged with mob action, armed violence, aggravated battery and criminal damage to property. They have all been in custody since the May 19 incident.

Attorneys for the men said the five are disappointed with sentencing recommendation from a Cook County judge that wasn't as much prison time as a seven-year offer from prosecutors, but wasn't much less.

The five are expected to be back in court on Dec. 17.

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