Staff Reports
In the Windy City, where deep-dish pizza and jazz music often steal the spotlight, a far grimmer story has emerged from the streets of Chicago—a tale marked by violence, trauma, and a troubling justice system. Recently, a man named William Livingston, a repeat offender with an astonishing 13 mug shots, has been taken off the streets after viciously attacking women over the years. This is not just another crime story; it’s a clarion call for accountability in a city that seems to be struggling with its own identity when it comes to safety.
On a somber Tuesday night in August, Kathleen Miles found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time while returning home from work. Suddenly, without warning, Livingston swung at her, leaving her with serious injuries that no one should have to endure. Kathleen was knocked unconscious and left bleeding on the sidewalk while the man who assaulted her stood there, watching. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could have the heart to inflict such pain, yet here we are, talking about a man whose past reads like a horror story—one filled with violence against women.
Governor Pritzker may insist that Chicago is devoid of a crime problem, but Kathleen’s experience suggests otherwise. Wounded and frightened, she voices what many in the city likely feel: that the system is failing its citizens. Despite being arrested on the scene, Livingston’s track record reveals a dark pattern of repeating violent offenses, raising eyebrows about how someone with such a history could be roaming the streets freely. Women deserve to feel safe while walking in their own neighborhoods, and Kathleen’s plight is a rude reminder of how far we still have to go.
With more than a dozen arrests, Livingston is the epitome of what critics call a “revolving door” justice system. Time and again, he has returned to the streets, seemingly without consequence. The fact that one of his victims was merely 15 years old adds another troubling layer to this narrative. It’s almost as if there is no limit on how many chances a criminal can receive before society decides enough is enough. One might wonder, how many mug shots does it take before the justice system says “no more”?
For Kathleen, the aftermath of this brutal attack is challenging. She struggles with simple tasks like driving and walking long distances. As she tries to piece her life back together, she raises her voice, calling for federal intervention in a city that needs more than just surface-level fixes. Perhaps it’s time for those in power to step back and reevaluate: are these repeated crimes merely unfortunate occurrences, or is there a deeper issue at play here that needs urgent attention?
As Chicago grapples with difficult questions about safety and accountability, it is evident that the current approach is falling short. Kathleen’s story is just one example among many, and it casts a shadow over the city’s claim that crime is not a problem. The people of Chicago deserve better, and they are hungry for change that goes beyond words and promises. Perhaps it’s time for leaders to wake up and realize that the need for effective action is just as urgent as the need for a deep-dish pizza.
