217 Today: Domestic violence survivors in Illinois are in prison for abusers’ crimes

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Pat Johnson holds up a medallion with an image of Jesus in Logan Correctional Center on April 18, 2022. The medallion was given to Johnson by his family. Johnson is incarcerated for a murder committed by his then-partner and abuser. The little known “theory of accountability” law allows people to be punished for the acts of another person.
  • Photo: Shannon Heffernan / The Marshall Project

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • Champaign will see heavy rainfall and windy weather Tuesday night as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl make their way to Indianapolis.
  • The public will have a chance to weigh in on the future of Metra, Pace and the CTA in Chicago at a series of hearings starting today.
  • Steve Serio, one of the most prominent figures in wheelchair basketball, will compete in the Paralympic games this summer for the fifth and final time.
  • On Saturday, July 13, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ chamber orchestra will anchor a music festival in Champaign’s Hessel Park.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new investigation by The Marshall Project that found over 100 cases of survivors who were punished for a crime committed by their abusers.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Elissa Eaton and Shannon Heffernan.

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Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.