View All Newsroom: Press Releases Print PDF

Statement from Romanucci & Blandin Founding Partner Antonio Romanucci on the Chicago Police Board’s unanimous vote to remove Patrick Kelly from the force - more than 11 years after Kelly shot his former best friend Michael LaPorta in the head

June 18, 2021

"After years and years of egregious and violent behavior, and police denials that Patrick Kelly was a danger to the community, it is no more than a relief that he is finally off the force. The Chicago Police Department's affirmative actions to keep Kelly on the force and never discipline him for his outrageous behavior, including domestic violence, allowed him to roam the streets of Chicago with impunity. Had the CPD implemented an early warning system, Kelly easily would have been identified as a problem officer and not have been allowed to shoot Michael LaPorta. The real focus should remain on the tragic and life-changing impact Kelly's violence had on his former best friend, Michael LaPorta, who will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair because Kelly shot him in the head. Shame on the Chicago Police Department for not heeding the multiple warning signs and complaints before Kelly shot LaPorta, but today's decision is a small measure of justice for Michael LaPorta and a solid decision for the residents of Chicago.”

Related Attorneys

Jump to Page

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Get a free consultation regarding your personal injury case today.

Tell Us About Your Case

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

* Indicates a required field.

Necessary Cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage. We access and process information from these cookies at an aggregate level.