Father Pfleger: “Like It or Not, Rewards work”

 

By Chinta Strausberg 

 

Father Michael L. Pfleger Sunday announced the Faith Community of Saint Sabina has issued two $5,000 rewards for information that netted the arrest of five people who were allegedly involved in the killing of 13-year-old Darius Brown and a 17-year-old teen accused of shooting the high school freshman Ondelee Perteet who remains paralyzed.

Pfleger made the announcement after Sunday morning’s worship service. He said, “Rewards work” though some defense attorneys are reportedly trying to discredit the witnesses because they are allegedly coming forth only to receive the money.

“We started this reward fund along with then CPS Supt. Paul Vallas when a young girl was shot and killed near 79^th and Carpenter. I am not pushing rewards as a solution, but in this day when we re losing so many of our children, we must be open to whatever it takes to get shooters off the street.

Teenage Darius Brown had been playing basketball at the Metcalfe Park, close to 43^rd and State Streets. Brown died

Perteet, who was shot in the face allegedly by Robert Sansberry, was recently found guilty of that crime that occurred in September of 2009 after a dispute that led to his being evicted from the party. Sansberry reportedly returned and shot Perteet who doctors say will most likely remain wheelchair bound for life.

Pfleger was correct in asking the public to step forward and provide information that could lead to the arrest of these shooters who are and have taking the lives of so many children.

“If you will shoot or kill once, you will do it again,” said Pfleger. “ We must break the code of silence. Rewards work.”

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.