Wrongful Death

by Sandy May

He was a quiet man, devoted to his family, hard working and steadfast as a husband and father, abuelo de los niňos. In good weather, he took a walk after dinner usually with a friend and neighbor.

But his evening of October 6th (2004) ended differently—tragically. Plainclothes Blue Island police yelled for him to stop as he walked along and he misunderstood, moving quickly but not in accordance with their directions. He was then tackled to the ground with what was later termed “excessive force” because police thought he was responsible for gang graffiti and tagging which they were investigating.

Mr. Manrique was 74 years, spoke some English, but died four days later from a blood clot resulting from the injuries he received during the police encounter. Although his death was ruled a homicide, the conclusion reached by the Attorney General was that it was accidental due to the lack of malicious intent on the part of the police. Officers involved were not recipients of any discipline for this incident.

His death was the impetus for much community disruption. City Council was packed with angry citizens who spoke against police brutality especially against minorities and later a hearing was conducted by the Department of Justice.

Always and ever, Antonio Manrique’s name appears in the thoughts and prayers of many of our citizens.

A wrongful death law suit was filed against the City of Blue Island and was finally settled for $1 million dollars in March of this year, although as of this writing, no payment has been made to his family.