Serving on a jury is a privilege. On December 15, 2011, eleven other members of our community and I rendered a verdict in a sad case. Thinking our service was complete, we were ready to depart for home. We were having a final discussion in the courtroom with Judge Munger.
Suddenly everything changed. Shots rang out.
I wish to sincerely thank Deputy Gary Radloff who saw to it that we quickly vacated the courtroom and then bravely went to confront the violence. I wish to sincerely thank the ladies in court administration who very quickly lead the jury to safety, keeping a calm presence.
I wish to thank the Cook County sheriff deputies who responded so quickly.
A sad day for Daniel Schlienz and his family, a terrifying day for County Prosecutor Tim Scannell and his staff, and a life-changing event for the staff of the courthouse.
Jury duty continues to be a privilege and all of us must step up to the evil in our community and not be silent, to serve and to confront the evil and stop it.
I continue to pray for all of us in Grand Marais.
Peter J. Mueller
Grand Marais
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