State’s Attorney Alvarez Recognizes Crime Victims

In honor of National Crime Victims Rights Week, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez hosted a ceremony recognizing four surviving victims of violent crime who have shown tremendous resiliency and commitment to helping others.

Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez (second from left) with the recipients of the State’s Attorney’s 2015 Victim Service Awards: (from left) Stacy Jurich (Courage Award), Kevin Doyle (Service Award) and Emily Carrell (Advocacy Award).

State’s Attorney Alvarez presented Victim Service Awards to:

• Stacy Jurich and Natasha McShane (Courage Award).  Stacy and Natasha were viciously attacked in 2010 during a robbery after being struck repeatedly with a baseball bat and suffering life-altering injuries.  Stacy bravely testified during the criminal trial of the defendant charged with the attack, serving as a voice for her friend Natasha as well.  Both young women continue to demonstrate unparalleled strength and courage as they continue to rebuild their lives.

• Kevin Doyle, President of the Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation (Service Award). Kevin’s mother Sheilah, who worked as a nurse, was brutally murdered during a robbery in 1983 after she left work and returned to her home in the southwest suburbs.  Kevin and his family created the foundation to provide programs and events for families who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one through violence.

• Emily Carrell, Schaumburg Police Officer (Advocacy Award).  Emily, who was the victim of a sexual assault in 2008, has worked tirelessly with prosecutors to ensure that important protections are provided to crime victims.  After the assault, Emily became a Schaumburg Police Officer, continuing her commitment to public service and advocacy in the community.

“This year’s honorees are a group of amazing people,” said Alvarez.  “Their brave stories of overcoming personal tragedy with humility, strength and determination are truly inspiring.”

The Victim Service Awards Ceremony was held Tuesday, April 14^th at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Chicago.