QUINN EMPLOYS FELON WITH 2nd DEGREE MURDER CONVICTION
In June Of 1996, Kendall Moore And Another Man Beat Damenion Burnett To Death With A Baseball Bat. “A McDonough County judge refused Friday to reduce the bonds for two men charged with beating another man to death with a baseball bat last June. Darrell Mitchell, 22, of Robbins and Kendall Moore, 22, of Chicago are charged with first-degree murder for the death of Damenion Burnett, 21, of Chicago. Police reports state Burnett was beaten by two men, one armed with a baseball bat, about 1:15 a.m. June 15 in the 700 block of Linden Lane. He died in a Peoria hospital two days later. (A. Rahim Owens, “Judge Won’t Reduce Bond In Beating Case,” State Journal-Register, 1/4/97)
Moore And Burnett Got Into A Bar Fight In Macomb Illinois In The Late Hours Of June 14, 1996. “Damenion Burnett died as a result of blunt trauma to the head. Charges of first degree murder, armed violence, aggravated battery and mob action were brought against defendant and Darrell Mitchell, who were tried jointly. Testimony at trial centered around two fights in Macomb, Illinois, on the night of June 14 and early morning hours of June 15, 1996. The State’s evidence established that defendant, Mitchell, Steve Tinch and several college friends were having drinks at the Regulator Bar around midnight, June 14. Defendant and his companions belonged to a social fraternity known as the Omega Psi Phi fraternity (Q-dogs), which was affiliated with the Zeta Phi Beta sorority (Zetas). Members of both groups were in the bar, as well as other non-affiliated friends from the neighborhood. Eileen Tarjan and her boyfriend, Damenion Burnett, were not Zetas or Q-dogs but socialized with them. As the bar was closing, a Zeta accused Tarjan of burning her with a cigarette. The confrontation between the two women erupted into a fight which spilled out into the street. Defendant and Mitchell entered the melee, along with Burnett and his friends, Mike Hawkins and Delrico Nelson. The fight ended abruptly and the crowd dispersed when Hawkins fired two shots into the air from a nine-millimeter semi-automatic gun.” (People v. Moore, No. 4-97-0759, Opinion, 12/4/98)
Moore Followed Burnett To His Girlfriend’s Apartment And Beat Him With A Baseball Bat. “Hawkins’ gun was handed to Nelson as they drove away from the bar. Nelson next met Burnett at the apartment in Villa Westbrook where Tarjan and Burnett stayed. Defendant, Mitchell and Tinch went to Mitchell’s apartment in Villa Westbrook, one floor above Tarjan’s. Defendant took a baseball bat into Tarjan’s apartment and banged it on a stereo speaker. He was asked to leave, and he did. Burnett and Nelson started to fight with Tinch. Nelson retreated, and the confrontation between Tinch and Burnett moved outside, where Mitchell and defendant joined in. Tarjan testified that she saw defendant and another man fighting with Burnett. She said that Burnett was unarmed and was trying to stand while the two men beat him. She could not see if a weapon was used in the fight, but she saw Nelson fire a couple of shots into the air and the grass before she left the scene with a friend. On cross-examination, Tarjan admitted that she had lied to the police when she told them she neither saw nor heard any shooting outside her apartment. Nelson testified that he stood outside the apartment building and watched the fight. He said defendant went to his truck and returned with a bat to fight with Tinch and Mitchell against Burnett. He saw defendant club Burnett in the head. After Burnett fell, defendant struck again while Mitchell kicked and stomped on Burnett. Nelson yelled, “Stop!” and fired two shots into the ground and another into the air. Other witnesses heard between four and eight shots. Nelson said the fight was still in progress when he heard police sirens. He dropped the gun and ran from the scene.” (People v. Moore, No. 4-97-0759, Opinion, 12/4/98)
Burnett Was Declared Brain Dead A Day Later – He Suffered A Fractured Skull, Both Sides Of His Jaw Were Broken And His Liver Was Lacerated. “Burnett was declared brain dead on June 17, 1996. In addition to a fractured skull, both sides of his jaw were broken and his liver was lacerated.” (People v. Moore, No. 4-97-0759, Opinion, 12/4/98)
Kendall Moore, Of 835 Maple Rd, Flossmoor IL Appears On Taxpayers For Quinn’s Payroll. (Illinois Board of Elections, Accessed 9/12/14)
Rauner’s Opposition Research staff is really good.
Comment by Cassiopeia Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:47 pm
Rich,
Not sure of the timing from all of these releases, but has it gone Quinn releases dirt first, and Rauner responds? If so, seems like the back story is that Rauner is sending the message to Quinn, no matter how low you go to find dirt we will go lower and find more.
Comment by Western Ave. Doug Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:49 pm
===but has it gone Quinn releases dirt first, and Rauner responds?===
Yep. Today, anyway.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:50 pm
That’s the big question. Was Rauner waiting with this to see if Quinn stooped this low, or is Rauner’s team just that good and got this since Quinn’s release(or when they caught wind it was coming out)
Comment by mcb Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:51 pm
I feel better about both campaigns now…
I would be embarrassed to be part of the Senior Leadership of both Crews.
I really don’t know what more to say.
Two Crews, striving to get their Principle to be Governor if Illinois, a $35 Billion dollar government, the 5th largest state in America, that has been the home of presidents, and is an leader in both industry and agriculture, and arguably the transportation hub of America…
And these Crews are now focusing Staff on these type of research endeavors.
There’s one thing to go into negative advertising, pseudo personal attacks, but here we are, Quinn first today with the hiring of security for Rauner, and the rapid response of “Oh yeah! Well how about…”
The bottom is too far to see now, we passed our usual bottom a few mile markers back.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:51 pm
Headline…”Convicted Felon Hired Pat Quinn as Senior Staffer”
Comment by sangamon gop Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:52 pm
==buckle up, campers==
==Regulator Bar ==
…Mount up…
Comment by Anonymoiis Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:54 pm
You know, if only Team Quinn had money to pass out just a few more flyers, none of this would ever have happened.
Comment by Gooner Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:54 pm
==I would be embarrassed to be part of the Senior Leadership of both Crews.==
Strange, you seemed all about piling on Rauner this morning when the first story came out…now that a shot is fired back, suddenly you’re appalled at such things…
Comment by Anonymoiis Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:56 pm
Or even better…”Convicted Felon Hired Pat Quinn for Sham Ghost Payroll No Show/No Work Staff Position”
Comment by sangamon gop Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 1:57 pm
Ah, the old Laurel and Hardy “Tit for Tat” comedy short gem applies here. Google it on You Tube and ask yourself, is this representative of the 2014 Governor’s Race in Illinois?
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:01 pm
Common name. Are we sure it’s the same guy? And if so, how is he even involved with the campaign? Seems like a big difference between hiring a security team that intimidates people and giving a job to a reformed felon, if he is even the same guy.
Comment by A Jack Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:02 pm
===Strange, you seemed all about piling on Rauner this morning when the first story came out…now that a shot is fired back, suddenly you’re appalled at such things…===
The Rauner hire, is doing “security”
“Security”?
My “piling on”…was about the idea Rauner’s hubris being fed by a guy with that history…doing “security”
Read. It helps.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:04 pm
Let’s see if we can make another movie out of this. Like, I think the movie was Brewster’s Millions and lets vote for none of the above!
Comment by Coach Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:08 pm
==Read. It helps.==
Come on Willy! Oswego Willy is your name, and political spin is your game. Anything anti Rauner or Sanguinetti you are all over it. Yesterday’s anti-Sanguinetti festival was vintage Willy. Don’t pretend to be principled all of a sudden.
BTW, this is one Raunerite that still loves you baby!
Comment by Western Ave. Doug Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:10 pm
==My “piling on”…was about the idea Rauner’s hubris being fed by a guy with that history…doing “security”
==
But no qualms about having a staffer accused of first degree murder/convicted of 2d degree. Got it. Just so we know where you’re boundaries of outrage are.
Comment by Anonymoiis Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:12 pm
Does anyone remember when Jim Ryan spent about a million dollars of negative advertising in 2002 linking the Blagojevich campaign to Quarters Boyle and Dominick Longo? It didn’t work very well then, and it won’t likely work very well now.
Voters have a hard enough time keeping track of the candidates. Never seen a big-time campaign move numbers in the polls by criticizing faceless, nearly anonymous campaign workers.
It is inside baseball and does nothing but embarrass the individual campaign worker.
These campaigns should stick to real issues that voters actually care about.
Comment by Michael Westen Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:13 pm
Anonymoiis
It was a clear black night, a clear white moon
Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:13 pm
Way to win that WVON vote, Mr. Rauner! So much for making inroads in the African American community. WVON will be talking about this one.
Comment by anon Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:14 pm
===Come on Willy! Oswego Willy is your name, and political spin is your game. Anything anti Rauner or Sanguinetti you are all over it. ===
Oh yeah, Quinn, Sheila, Frerichs…they love me too.
===- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
For me, this story makes me sick, but the overriding fact is that Bruce Rauner loves perks, status, image, fame, and faux humility.
All Bruce is craving is that title; “Governor”
He bought the security detail.
He bought the staff.
He bought commercials.
He rents offices, with phones, computers, televisions…
Bruce wants to be loved, get a title.
The governing for us here in Illinois is collateral damage to ensue whatever real damage needs to be done to get a title.
…including the hiring of security.===
Sounds like I am dinging him on the security angle..
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:15 pm
WVON’s listeners are voters Pat Quinn needs to energize. Four years ago, the radio ad Obama did for Quinn played almost exclusively on WVON.
Rauner screwed this one up good.
Comment by Nonplussed Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:16 pm
A very grudging “well played” to sangamon gop.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:16 pm
Rauner is starting to give me flashbacks to the Nixon years. What next, wiretapping Libertarian phone lines? Rauner’s Plumbers are going to dig up dirt at any cost.
Comment by A Jack Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:16 pm
A Jack - did you see Rich’s earlier post about Rauner’s security person?!
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:20 pm
A Jack
Yeah because we know Quinn’s folks are not checking on this stuff…
Oh wait, they are…
Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:20 pm
@OW
=And these Crews are now focusing Staff on these type of research endeavors.=
Willy, if it bleeds it leads. Illinois voters don’t want to tax their little brains with complex solutions to difficult problems. They don’t even want to UNDERSTAND these problems. They just want to choose up sides between “their guy” and “our guy” and have at it.
The only ones who care about policy from candidates are the special interests who fund all campaigns in Illinois, and that isn’t done by press release, it’s done in back rooms to a select few.
In the Arizona gubernatorial race, the most negative thing I’ve seen in TV ads is that the Dem candidate supports giving illegal immigrants lower cost college educations than Arizona citizens.
Our debates have been about how we want to address a projected state deficit in 2017, how we protect the citizens of Arizona from the infiltration of criminal illegals that the Federal government has failed detain and remove from the community, and how we can assist businesses like Apple to keep moving to Arizona from California.
The diseased body politic in Illinois doesn’t need to be that way, folks. It can be different and much better.
I know you think that what works in other states isn’t possible in Illinois, Willy. I sincerely hope you’re wrong for the sake of my birth state.
Comment by Arizona Bob Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:21 pm
That WVON profile is disgusting - it doesn’t even mention that he was in prison, let alone that he’s a murder, and makes him out to be some kind of saint. At the very least I wouldn’t believe that self-serving puffery until it was verified by an objective third party.
Think Quinn would be sticking with this guy if he were a convicted rapist?
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:22 pm
===There’s one thing to go into negative advertising, pseudo personal attacks, but here we are, Quinn first today with the hiring of security for Rauner, and the rapid response of “Oh yeah! Well how about…”===
I don’t recall defending the Quinn hire. At all.
Further, the update seems to show a rehabilitated member if society trying to make his way…
Let’s see how today went…
Quinn accused, Rauner counters with an accusation, I never said anything condoning either.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:22 pm
If all of the info is listed accurately, the guy killed someone with a baseball bat. Think about that for a minute. Did you read the injuries suffered by the victim???
Dig up dirt? Are you serious???
Comment by Wally Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:23 pm
Now I am embarrassed for forgetting to make it singular, “staffer and vendor”, before hitting “Say It!” lol.
More seriously, that is a horrific story about Mr. Moore and it is inspiring that he has turned his life around.
Sadly, it is only a matter of time until they find something that sticks on someone else. There used to be a gentleman’s agreement of sorts that staff was off-limits except for egregious cases, but that is now apparently the “old” way of doing things.
First one to the bottom… wins?
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:25 pm
Did the Rauner crew know the rest of the Moore story and that he’s a big shot at WVON before they unloaded?
I wonder if the Quinn crew dangled the McNamara story and Rauner’s peeps took the bait?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:25 pm
The hit was not well thought out by Team Rauner if gaining traction in the African community was a goal and not against a WVON host. @nonplussed has it right.
Comment by anon Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:26 pm
I’m with Willy. This is pretty much revolting. My only consolation is that this may backfire with Mr. Moore’s audience and supporters. From everything I know, his story inspires others through showing that a lives can be turned around - and this I something that really resonates right now. Shame on them.
Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:27 pm
Ah, we’ve finally hit the subbasement of politics. I feel like I’m Token in the episode of Southpark where they have the “Lord of the Rings” tape…
I’m done playing.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:27 pm
And so it goes. If you’re gonna try to put one of theirs in the hot seat, you better make sure none of yours are hotter. Maybe this volley will end this tactical approach. Let’s hope.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:28 pm
==That WVON profile is disgusting - it doesn’t even mention that he was in prison, let alone that he’s a murder, and makes him out to be some kind of saint. ==
It seems he’s put much effort into helping the lives of those who have been incarcerated, but I see nothing in there about any remorse towards and assistance to, say, families of victims of murder
Comment by Anonymoiis Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:28 pm
Keep attacking the WVON host Rauner supporters. That will really help.
Comment by anon Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:30 pm
Rauner sure managed to walk into this, again.
They did a bit of research, but not enough.
These guys are just not ready for the bright lights.
Rauner is going to end up losing this race, and their handling of this shows why.
Comment by Gooner Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:31 pm
Gooner,
Check out the latest update for the Rauner security Rich posted. It’s safe to say neither campaigns were honest on tbis one or did adequate research.
Comment by Mason born Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:35 pm
Although, that WVON bio omits a truly heinous act in Mr. Moore’s life. Mother Theresa he is not, but his search for redemption appears to be real.
And this == I’ve asked the Rauner campaign what they plan to do about their own guy. == is a fair question.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:37 pm
Mason,
Did that guy work for a group that Quinn’s reaching out to? I missed that in the update.
The Quinn thing was sort of stupid and petty, but it came without risk.
Rauner’s making efforts to Chicago residents, and this will hurt.
They are not equal here.
Comment by Gooner Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:39 pm
To a bigger-picture point, and casting aside Mr. Moore’s history…
Should we be concerned about radio or television hosts and executives being on the payroll of a politician’s campaign? Regardless of whether that politician is a Republican or Democrat?
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:43 pm
I wonder if WVON will make this a station issue, a rally cry(?)
I am as much interested in the Rauner hire and their response as I am in WVON and how they may approach this.
It could all just blow over. It could, but the responses now are Rauner reacts; their own and WVONs
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:43 pm
==his story inspires others through showing that a lives can be turned around==
While true, I sure the family of the man that had his brains bashed in with a bat might differ. Too bad WVON didn’t list Mr. Moore’s complete testimonial.
How to you know that Rauner’s ex-security gaurd is not a decorated vetern? Think there is more to this.
Comment by Western Ave. Doug Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:43 pm
2 horrible choices for governor.
Comment by Waldi Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:43 pm
Rauner and his pals aren’t afraid to get dirty. I’m okay with that. Jim Ryan was aggressive against Blago during debates and public appearances, but the commercials and research were so-so. JBT never had the staff or the money to make Blago look as bad as he really was. Bill Brady just looked inept when taking on Governor Quinn.
This is different. Rauner is willing to take chances. Yes, this may backfire. But politics in this state aren’t very pleasant. And he has the money to make Governor Quinn feel the heat.
This is where the NRI investigation and the IDOT hiring issues come into play. No, this situation doesn’t directly tie in. But it allows Rauner to paint Quinn as a gross mismanager of the state and his own campaign. Did Rauner mismanage or not have a firm enough grip on GTCR and R8? Perhaps. But Rauner has the money and the ammo make voters doubt Quinn’s overall competency.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:44 pm
The WVON profile lacking the crime makes it appear that Mr. Brunett died to make Mr. Moore’s life sound inspirational. Ouch.
Comment by Jose Abreu's next homer Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:49 pm
Gooner,
Fair point on the target group.
Personally I think both campaigns were counting on people reading the headline and nothing else. Both of these idiots were willing to sabatage the lifes of what appeared ti be reformed men to score cheap political points. Since Quinn did it first he actually disgusts me more on this.
The adult response would have been for Rauner to publically state what he did in the update and let it go. Then again adult behavior is lacking in this race.
Comment by Mason born Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:51 pm
Both camps in this campaign are disgusting. I have some advice for the junior campaign staffers: Instead of spending time on the internet digging up dirt, why don’t you spend some time getting your chops wet on some detailed policy research and pass it along to your respective bosses? Do the plan, write the message and take it out to the voters for a spin around the block. Maybe, just maybe your guy will win the election.
I’m just so tired of hearing nothing substantive from either campaign.
Comment by Observation Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:51 pm
===How to you know that Rauner’s ex-security gaurd is not a decorated vetern?===
As far as I can tell, no one is stopping the Rauner Crew to tell more…
…but dumping the guy was easier, which is what they did.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:52 pm
Moore’s show is on tonight at 7. If he is actually on it will be interesting what is said.
From WVON web site:
The Kendall Moore Show
Thursday and Friday 7pm – 10pm
Comment by Been There Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:53 pm
WVON’s listeners have legislators who led the charge to “ban the box”. Demonizing ex-felons will backfire on Rauner.
Comment by Nonplussed Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:58 pm
@ Observation- Both camps could also use a little time in remedial math instruction.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 2:58 pm
As YDD says, it’s amazing the amount of detail Rauner and his people come up with when it’s an attack, yet can only come up with “further cuts” when it comes to how to increase education funding.
Zero detail on his proposals, but you’ll almost know what Quinn eats for breakfast if it’s a hit.
Billionaire Bruce Rauner - con artist extraordinaire.
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:03 pm
Imagine if you are a convicted murderer. You want to work your way back into society and be a big success. What do you do? Here’s a tried and true trick: play up the “reformed sinner” angle.
In other words, who knows how much of this kind of outreach he’s done. “Substantial time in South Africa” - a year? month? week? All devoted to this anti-violence evangelizing?
Hey, maybe so, but I want to hear it from someone objective, especially in light of how full of wholes this profile is.
And can we hear from the victim’s family? Did he attempt to make amends after his “conversion”? Does he donate money to the victim’s family from his salary?
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:08 pm
Lake County Dem - Why not call into WVON tonight and ask. Mr. Moore yourself?
Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:17 pm
The good news is that the two campaigns took in over $3,000,000. So, we’ll be seeing plenty more of this over the next couple months.
Comment by Snucka Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:24 pm
Should have said– took in over $3 mil TODAY.
Comment by Snucka Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:24 pm
Lake County Dem - listen to the show or get out more.
AZ Bob - Love the Tea Party talking points!
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:25 pm
“Moore’s show is on tonight at 7. If he is actually on it will be interesting what is said.”
Maybe they can discuss Rauner’s companies various unscrupulous enterprises, his $250,000 “donation” to Walter Payton High School right after his daughter was admitted and his lack of any response to addressing these issues before running for Governor?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:42 pm
Low Level - apparently you don’t understand the meaning of “objective source.” And with violent murderers getting out of prison this quickly, I think I’ll stay in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3yUQFluNq0
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:45 pm
Just curious has Rauner put his tax returns on the table yet?
Comment by Honest Abe Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:46 pm
Archie’s Mom: He’s going to have his victim’s family on? If they give him the good word, I’m convinced.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:47 pm
What is next? Quinn with his girlfriend at a swinger’s bar (lol)
Comment by Brady Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:55 pm
Why does Bruce Rauner hate the WVON community? that’s how it will play.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 3:57 pm
I love how all these commenters have interviewed the victim’s family and Mr. Moore and know the exact relationship or lack thereof between them. What stellar investigative reporting skills folks!
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Sep 12, 14 @ 4:11 pm