(WHERE TO SEND) Office of the Illinois Attorney General Constituent Services 100 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60601 [email protected] Please also CC Saline County State’s Attorney, Molly Wilson: [email protected].   Dear Attorney General Raoul, I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and a listener of Crime Junkie, a true crime podcast that recently investigated the death of Jade Winston in Carrier Mills, IL. Jade was an 18-year-old high school senior who died of a gunshot wound to the head while in her apartment on August 17th, 2007. A Saline County Coroner’s Jury ruled Jade’s death a homicide in January 2008. However, leadership at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office have publicly shared their “personal opinions” that Jade died by suicide. While they maintain that the case is open, it’s not active. I am deeply troubled by the lack of progress. Mixed messaging, where an agency’s public statements are not consistent with the official designation of a case, can erode public trust. This can lead to skepticism about the agency’s competence or motives. Public statements can also inadvertently influence potential witnesses. If the public believes the investigating agency has already reached a conclusion, even informally, individuals might be less likely to come forward with information, thinking it might not be considered relevant. Meanwhile, Jade’s family and the community are left in a state of uncertainty, and their faith in the justice system has been profoundly shaken. The Attorney General’s Office can intervene in cases where there are conflicts of interest or when the complexity of the case demands a comprehensive approach. Given the nature of this case, I am respectfully urging you to have your office conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. By taking over this investigation, your office could bring fresh perspectives, resources, and a renewed commitment to finding the truth. Furthermore, your intervention would instill public confidence in the justice system. I am hopeful that with your help, we can bring closure to Jade’s family, provide answers to a concerned community, and ensure that justice prevails. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Signature (if sending a printed letter)]