Injustice Watch
@injusticewatch.org
Injustice Watch is a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the Cook County court system. https://linktr.ee/injusticewatch
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Injustice Watch
@injusticewatch.org
· Nov 12
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www.injusticewatch.org
👋🏽 Hi new followers! We’re a nonprofit journalism org that focuses on the Cook County courts and the institutions that intersect with them — including immigration, policing, housing, and corrections.
📨 Our newsletter has our latest investigations and more: www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/
📨 Our newsletter has our latest investigations and more: www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/
Join us Dec. 4 at Avondale Bowl to celebrate Injustice Watch's 10th birthday. Tickets include food, cocktails, bowling, magic, and more — and will help fuel the next decade of judicial election guides and impactful investigative journalism. buff.ly/T0E1oy8
November 21, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Join us Dec. 4 at Avondale Bowl to celebrate Injustice Watch's 10th birthday. Tickets include food, cocktails, bowling, magic, and more — and will help fuel the next decade of judicial election guides and impactful investigative journalism. buff.ly/T0E1oy8
“It’s difficult to look at the video and not see callous disregard for the health and safety of the youth at the detention center,” said Stephanie Kollmann, policy director at the Children and Family Justice Center. buff.ly/vTpZTTP
‘Horrific’ video of incident at Chicago’s juvenile jail raises questions about recent trial, experts say
Former Juvenile Temporary Detention Center employee Kevin Walker was acquitted last month of charges related to the incident, which left a 15-year-old boy bruised and unconscious.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:51 PM
“It’s difficult to look at the video and not see callous disregard for the health and safety of the youth at the detention center,” said Stephanie Kollmann, policy director at the Children and Family Justice Center. buff.ly/vTpZTTP
🎉 Congratulations to senior reporters Alejandra Cancino and Maya Dukmasova, who took home the Sarah Brown Boyden Award for Best Investigation from the Chicago Journalists Association last week for "The Tenant Trap."
The Tenant Trap
This series examines an unfair system set up to put property rights above the rights of the people who live there.
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 4:45 PM
🎉 Congratulations to senior reporters Alejandra Cancino and Maya Dukmasova, who took home the Sarah Brown Boyden Award for Best Investigation from the Chicago Journalists Association last week for "The Tenant Trap."
“A change in leadership at the juvenile temporary detention center is long overdue,” said Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board member Amanda Klonsky. “The young people there deserve a superintendent who is present and accountable.” buff.ly/RP4himt
Leonard Dixon stepping down as head of Cook County juvenile detention center
The superintendent of one of the country’s largest juvenile jails is resigning Dec. 1 after a decade-long tenure marked by controversy.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:05 PM
“A change in leadership at the juvenile temporary detention center is long overdue,” said Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board member Amanda Klonsky. “The young people there deserve a superintendent who is present and accountable.” buff.ly/RP4himt
Reposted by Injustice Watch
i often get asked why it's so difficult to figure out how to cover local judges, or how to approach voting for them.
this Chicago publication has a great project of crowd-sourcing information for the next few months.
check them out/spread the word!
this Chicago publication has a great project of crowd-sourcing information for the next few months.
check them out/spread the word!
As we research the candidates to create our next judicial election guide, we need your help. Have any of the candidates been your attorney or judge? Take a look at the list of candidates and send us your tips. buff.ly/DlOqYRA
airtable.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:14 PM
i often get asked why it's so difficult to figure out how to cover local judges, or how to approach voting for them.
this Chicago publication has a great project of crowd-sourcing information for the next few months.
check them out/spread the word!
this Chicago publication has a great project of crowd-sourcing information for the next few months.
check them out/spread the word!
🧵 A thread on our next judicial election guide — and how you can help!
November 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM
🧵 A thread on our next judicial election guide — and how you can help!
“I find it hard to believe someone found that there was an imminent threat of safety such that it justified a use of force,” said Candice Jones, former director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. “... none of these staff people look threatened.” buff.ly/uM9m0zx
‘Horrific’ video of incident at Chicago’s juvenile jail raises questions about recent trial, experts say
Former Juvenile Temporary Detention Center employee Kevin Walker was acquitted last month of charges related to the incident, which left a 15-year-old boy bruised and unconscious.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:25 PM
“I find it hard to believe someone found that there was an imminent threat of safety such that it justified a use of force,” said Candice Jones, former director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. “... none of these staff people look threatened.” buff.ly/uM9m0zx
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Some breaking news for your Friday afternoon: Cook County juvenile detention center superintendent Leonard Dixon is resigning after more than a decade at the helm. More from @kellygarcia.bsky.social @injusticewatch.org: www.injusticewatch.org/juvenile-cou...
Leonard Dixon stepping down as head of Cook County juvenile detention center
The superintendent of one of the country’s largest juvenile jails is resigning Dec. 1 after a decade-long tenure marked by controversy.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Some breaking news for your Friday afternoon: Cook County juvenile detention center superintendent Leonard Dixon is resigning after more than a decade at the helm. More from @kellygarcia.bsky.social @injusticewatch.org: www.injusticewatch.org/juvenile-cou...
BREAKING: Leonard Dixon, the superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center is stepping down after ten years. His resignation is effective Dec. 1. buff.ly/RP4himt
Leonard Dixon stepping down as head of Cook County juvenile detention center
The superintendent of one of the country’s largest juvenile jails is resigning Dec. 1 after a decade-long tenure marked by controversy.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:13 PM
BREAKING: Leonard Dixon, the superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center is stepping down after ten years. His resignation is effective Dec. 1. buff.ly/RP4himt
Reposted by Injustice Watch
"The video was 'horrific.'"
"They swing [the 15-year-old boy] with such force that I couldn't tell whether or not he hits the wall going down, because once he gets on the floor he pretty much becomes prone for the rest of the time."
"He could have died."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
"They swing [the 15-year-old boy] with such force that I couldn't tell whether or not he hits the wall going down, because once he gets on the floor he pretty much becomes prone for the rest of the time."
"He could have died."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
'Horrific' video of incident at Chicago's juvenile jail raises questions about recent trial, experts say
Former Juvenile Temporary Detention Center employee Kevin Walker was acquitted last month of charges related to the incident, which left a 15-year-old boy bruised and unconscious.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
"The video was 'horrific.'"
"They swing [the 15-year-old boy] with such force that I couldn't tell whether or not he hits the wall going down, because once he gets on the floor he pretty much becomes prone for the rest of the time."
"He could have died."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
"They swing [the 15-year-old boy] with such force that I couldn't tell whether or not he hits the wall going down, because once he gets on the floor he pretty much becomes prone for the rest of the time."
"He could have died."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
Reposted by Injustice Watch
A juvie guard was found not guilty of battery and official misconduct last week. “The defendant puts his hand on [the child] and maybe pushes him at best,” the judge in the case said. “There is no picking up and throwing down.”
Watch the video. Tell me if you agree and if you also agree that 2+2=5.
Watch the video. Tell me if you agree and if you also agree that 2+2=5.
Here's a closer look at the surveillance video at the center of the Kevin Walker trial. Read the full story: www.injusticewatch.org/juvenile-cou...
November 13, 2025 at 1:06 PM
A juvie guard was found not guilty of battery and official misconduct last week. “The defendant puts his hand on [the child] and maybe pushes him at best,” the judge in the case said. “There is no picking up and throwing down.”
Watch the video. Tell me if you agree and if you also agree that 2+2=5.
Watch the video. Tell me if you agree and if you also agree that 2+2=5.
Reposted by Injustice Watch
On Oct. 31, a judge acquitted former Cook County juvenile jail guard Kevin Walker of battery and official misconduct saying, “The defendant puts his hand on [the boy] and maybe pushes him at best.”
Now, you can watch the video for yourself.
Now, you can watch the video for yourself.
Here's a closer look at the surveillance video at the center of the Kevin Walker trial. Read the full story: www.injusticewatch.org/juvenile-cou...
November 12, 2025 at 10:54 PM
On Oct. 31, a judge acquitted former Cook County juvenile jail guard Kevin Walker of battery and official misconduct saying, “The defendant puts his hand on [the boy] and maybe pushes him at best.”
Now, you can watch the video for yourself.
Now, you can watch the video for yourself.
Here's a closer look at the surveillance video at the center of the Kevin Walker trial. Read the full story: www.injusticewatch.org/juvenile-cou...
November 12, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Here's a closer look at the surveillance video at the center of the Kevin Walker trial. Read the full story: www.injusticewatch.org/juvenile-cou...
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Rendering a child unconscious and then locking him alone in a cell is inexcusable in any event, much less when he has not been violent
But as a reminder, the precipitating incident here was that a teenager did not want to get up in the morning
But as a reminder, the precipitating incident here was that a teenager did not want to get up in the morning
NEW: Newly released video of a December 2023 incident inside the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center has raised questions about a judge’s decision to acquit one of the officers involved, experts and advocates told Injustice Watch. buff.ly/uM9m0zx
‘Horrific’ video of incident at Chicago’s juvenile jail raises questions about recent trial, experts say
Former Juvenile Temporary Detention Center employee Kevin Walker was acquitted last month of charges related to the incident, which left a 15-year-old boy bruised and unconscious.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Rendering a child unconscious and then locking him alone in a cell is inexcusable in any event, much less when he has not been violent
But as a reminder, the precipitating incident here was that a teenager did not want to get up in the morning
But as a reminder, the precipitating incident here was that a teenager did not want to get up in the morning
NEW: Newly released video of a December 2023 incident inside the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center has raised questions about a judge’s decision to acquit one of the officers involved, experts and advocates told Injustice Watch. buff.ly/uM9m0zx
‘Horrific’ video of incident at Chicago’s juvenile jail raises questions about recent trial, experts say
Former Juvenile Temporary Detention Center employee Kevin Walker was acquitted last month of charges related to the incident, which left a 15-year-old boy bruised and unconscious.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
NEW: Newly released video of a December 2023 incident inside the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center has raised questions about a judge’s decision to acquit one of the officers involved, experts and advocates told Injustice Watch. buff.ly/uM9m0zx
If you’ve followed Injustice Watch for a while, you know Verónica Martinez’s work. Her mural in our office is her most time-intensive project for us to date. Her sources of inspiration ranged from Carl Sandburg to Diego Rivera.https://buff.ly/tQoxZHK
An artist’s take on the court system
Listen to visual reporter Verónica Martinez discuss her inspirations for the mural: Injustice Watch · An artist’s take on the court system For the past
www.injusticewatch.org
November 9, 2025 at 11:30 PM
If you’ve followed Injustice Watch for a while, you know Verónica Martinez’s work. Her mural in our office is her most time-intensive project for us to date. Her sources of inspiration ranged from Carl Sandburg to Diego Rivera.https://buff.ly/tQoxZHK
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Prosecutors took that stance despite the fact that the witnesses in his case all recanted. Jackson applied and was rejected twice by the Cook County Conviction Integrity Unit before he learned the group included the wife of the cop who built case, Brian Forberg.
November 7, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Prosecutors took that stance despite the fact that the witnesses in his case all recanted. Jackson applied and was rejected twice by the Cook County Conviction Integrity Unit before he learned the group included the wife of the cop who built case, Brian Forberg.
For 10 years, we’ve told human-centered stories about the local court system and held powerful institutions accountable. Join us for a fundraiser to fuel our next decade of public service journalism.
Injustice Watch's 10th Birthday Party
We're throwing a fundraiser celebrating 10 years of impactful journalism. Join us for bowling, Chicago-style magic, cocktails and party food
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 6:02 PM
For 10 years, we’ve told human-centered stories about the local court system and held powerful institutions accountable. Join us for a fundraiser to fuel our next decade of public service journalism.
In delivering his verdict, which lasted only a few minutes, Cook County Circuit Judge Kenneth J. Wadas said the state had not met its burden of proof. “I don’t even think it’s close,” he said.
Rare trial of Chicago juvenile jail guard ends in acquittal
A Cook County judge found Kevin Walker not guilty of aggravated battery and official misconduct in a 2023 incident involving a 15-year-old at the juvenile jail.
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
In delivering his verdict, which lasted only a few minutes, Cook County Circuit Judge Kenneth J. Wadas said the state had not met its burden of proof. “I don’t even think it’s close,” he said.
Prosecutors urged Judge Wadas to remember that both Walker and Collins were significantly bigger than the boy, who stood at just 5 feet 5 inches and weighed just 120 pounds to Walker’s 190 pounds and 6-foot-1-inch stature.
Rare trial of Chicago juvenile jail guard ends in acquittal
A Cook County judge found Kevin Walker not guilty of aggravated battery and official misconduct in a 2023 incident involving a 15-year-old at the juvenile jail.
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Prosecutors urged Judge Wadas to remember that both Walker and Collins were significantly bigger than the boy, who stood at just 5 feet 5 inches and weighed just 120 pounds to Walker’s 190 pounds and 6-foot-1-inch stature.
Experts say the verdict could have a chilling effect on how allegations of abuse are handled by the detention center, which they say already lacks meaningful oversight and transparency.
Rare trial of Chicago juvenile jail guard ends in acquittal
A Cook County judge found Kevin Walker not guilty of aggravated battery and official misconduct in a 2023 incident involving a 15-year-old at the juvenile jail.
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Experts say the verdict could have a chilling effect on how allegations of abuse are handled by the detention center, which they say already lacks meaningful oversight and transparency.
Reposted by Injustice Watch
"[V]erdict could have a chilling effect on how allegations of abuse are handled by the detention center."
"[F]ollows [an ongoing] class-action lawsuit filed last year by more than 300 former detainees who claimed they were sexually and physically abused."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
"[F]ollows [an ongoing] class-action lawsuit filed last year by more than 300 former detainees who claimed they were sexually and physically abused."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
Rare trial of Chicago juvenile jail guard ends in acquittal
A Cook County judge found Kevin Walker not guilty of aggravated battery and official misconduct in a 2023 incident involving a 15-year-old at the juvenile jail.
www.injusticewatch.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:04 PM
"[V]erdict could have a chilling effect on how allegations of abuse are handled by the detention center."
"[F]ollows [an ongoing] class-action lawsuit filed last year by more than 300 former detainees who claimed they were sexually and physically abused."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
"[F]ollows [an ongoing] class-action lawsuit filed last year by more than 300 former detainees who claimed they were sexually and physically abused."
#Illinois #USA #Incarceration #Courts
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Courtroom illustrations for @injusticewatch.org
Shoutout to my mentor Lou Chukman for coming with. He said my sketches are VERY OK and you know what, coming from him, I’ll take it. 🤍
Read about this trial at injusticewatch.org
#courtroomsketch #courtroomart #illustration #localjournalism
Shoutout to my mentor Lou Chukman for coming with. He said my sketches are VERY OK and you know what, coming from him, I’ll take it. 🤍
Read about this trial at injusticewatch.org
#courtroomsketch #courtroomart #illustration #localjournalism
November 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Courtroom illustrations for @injusticewatch.org
Shoutout to my mentor Lou Chukman for coming with. He said my sketches are VERY OK and you know what, coming from him, I’ll take it. 🤍
Read about this trial at injusticewatch.org
#courtroomsketch #courtroomart #illustration #localjournalism
Shoutout to my mentor Lou Chukman for coming with. He said my sketches are VERY OK and you know what, coming from him, I’ll take it. 🤍
Read about this trial at injusticewatch.org
#courtroomsketch #courtroomart #illustration #localjournalism
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Either way, I left the trial with more questions than before.
One question I’ve gotten from a few readers is about Walker’s body-cam. During Collins’ testimony, we learned Rovers have had body cams for 7-8 years now and are required to have them on.
One question I’ve gotten from a few readers is about Walker’s body-cam. During Collins’ testimony, we learned Rovers have had body cams for 7-8 years now and are required to have them on.
November 4, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Either way, I left the trial with more questions than before.
One question I’ve gotten from a few readers is about Walker’s body-cam. During Collins’ testimony, we learned Rovers have had body cams for 7-8 years now and are required to have them on.
One question I’ve gotten from a few readers is about Walker’s body-cam. During Collins’ testimony, we learned Rovers have had body cams for 7-8 years now and are required to have them on.
Reposted by Injustice Watch
The Chief Judge’s office still hasn’t released Walker’s personnel file including any disciplinary records.
It’s not clear if prosecutors had his personnel file either and/or if they were able to introduce it into evidence.
It’s not clear if prosecutors had his personnel file either and/or if they were able to introduce it into evidence.
November 4, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The Chief Judge’s office still hasn’t released Walker’s personnel file including any disciplinary records.
It’s not clear if prosecutors had his personnel file either and/or if they were able to introduce it into evidence.
It’s not clear if prosecutors had his personnel file either and/or if they were able to introduce it into evidence.