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To: John Baldwin, Director of Corrections, Illinois Department of Corrections, Michael Hill, Brown County, Illinois States Attorney, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

Justice for Andrew A. "Andy" Ortega

On August 26, 2024, inmate Andrew "Andy" Ortega was found strangled to death in his cell at Western Illinois Correctional Center, located in Mt. Sterling. On August 27, an autopsy was performed where the Initial Preliminary Cause of Death was listed as "ligature strangulation" and the manner of his death was deemed to be "homicide." 

Nearly 4 months later, no charges have been brought against Andy's cellmate at the time, Joshua Miner, a convicted murderer from Will County serving two life sentences for strangulation. 

Although there may be little to no motivation to use prosecutorial, financial and judicial resources to try a suspect for a crime when that convict has no chance of being released in his lifetime, we strongly believe that Andy, his family and loved ones, are owed justice for his death and answers as to why he was allowed to share a cell with a convicted felon that has a history of committing violent murder.

Andy's death is directly against the Mission and Vision of the Illinois Department of Corrections where the mission is to "....reduce victimization," and the vision to, "...operate safe, secure, and humane correctional facilities." Clearly, the system failed.

We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the facts surrounding Andy's death, as well as the Department of Corrections instituting policies to protect non-violent offenders from violent offenders.

Andy was a good person. He had his struggles but that doesn't make him less of a person. Andy did not deserve to die while he was in custody of the state and we hope that immediate actions are taken to prevent others from meeting the same fate.



Why is this important?

ABC 7 Chicago story that aired on 12/16/24 regarding Andy.
https://youtu.be/KstKbAZ4-wQ?si=kAqwB_Szli--yc9K

How it will be delivered

Overnight mail to each listed recipient.

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Updates

2024-12-18 08:20:25 -0500

50 signatures reached

2024-12-17 23:37:54 -0500

25 signatures reached

2024-12-17 21:26:04 -0500

10 signatures reached