STATE OF ILLINOIS
BRUCE RAUNER, GOVERNOR
PRISONER REVIEW BOARD
EN BANC MINUTE SHEET- OPEN SESSION
MEETING OF JUNE 29, 2017
Inmate Name: DONALD GRANT IDOC Number & Institution: L02079
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board met in open en banc session at 401 S. Spring Street, Illinois Stratton Building, Room A-1, Springfield, Illinois, on June 29, 2017 at the 9:00 a.m. session to discuss and deliberate parole eligibility for Donald Grant, IDOC #L02079.
Members present were: J. Clough, E. Crigler, D.W. Dunn, P. Fisher, V. Harris, E. Johnson, V. Martinez, W. Norton, A.M. Perkins, D. Shelton, K. Tupy and Chairman Findley.
Other(s) present: Robynn Davis, Recording Secretary Summary of discussion for parole consideration:
On March 8, 2017, Inmate Donald Grant was interviewed at Dixon Correctional Center. Inmate Grant is a 62-year-old African-American male, and will be 63 next months. He states that he is in good health, other than some knee problems, for which he takes pain medication.
In August of 1981, Inmate Grant was convicted of the May 24, 1976 murder and armed robbery of Robert Jackson. Inmate Grant was sentenced to 60-180 years for Murder and 20-60 years for Armed Robbery.
Inmate Grant is currently A grade, low escape risk. Inmate Grant has been incarcerated over 35 years. He has been at Dixon Correctional Center for the last 17 years. According to his overview, he has received two major and seven minor disciplinary tickets since 2002. The most recent ticket was in November of 2016 for an altered hot pot. Inmate Grant has a projected discharge date of October 10, 2066 according to IDOC inmate status; however there appear to be different discharge dates of June 10, 2064 and February 3,2064 on his offender overview sheet and offender tracking system sheet.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
On May 24, 1976, at approximately 8pm, Robert Jackson, a retired Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputy, was murdered by Inmate Grant while Mr. Jackson was working as a grocery store security guard.
Inmate Grant had been removed from the grocery store the previous day, by Robert Jackson, for an attempted shoplifting. Upon confronting Inmate Grant, a verbal confrontation ensued between Mr. Jackson and Inmate Grant, and Inmate Grant was subsequently put out of the store.
The evening of May 24, 1976, Inmate Grant returned to the Red Fox Grocery store, at 4105 SW Adams, in Peoria. Inmate Grant was driven to the location by Martin Ray Williams. Inmate Grant, who was humiliated by being removed from the store the previous day, entered the store and approached Robert Jackson from behind. Inmate Grant then put a loaded .22 caliber handgun to the ear of Robert Jackson’s head and fired one round. After the victim, Robert Jackson, fell to the ground, Inmate Grant took Mr. Jackson’s .38 caliber service revolver from his holster and fled the scene.
Robert Jackson was a retired Deputy of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department who had served for 18 years. The night of his murder he was in uniform as a security officer.
During the interview of Inmate Grant, he stated he that he was accused of shoplifting by Mr. Jackson because there was a package of meat next to him. He said that he did not steal it or attempt to steal it. He said that he was not a shoplifter. Inmate Grant said Mr. Jackson had accused him and they got into a heated argument. At that point, Mr. Jackson reached for his gun and took Inmate Grant out of the store.
Inmate Grant said he was still angry and humiliated the next day when he and friends began drinking. He said that his friend had “geeked him up”, saying to go back and confront Mr. Jackson. Inmate Grant said he got a .22 from a female friend, and Martin Ray Williams drove him back to the store.
Inmate Grant said he was going to put the gun to Mr. Jackson’s head, then take Mr. Jackson’s gun, and confront him. Inmate Grant said that as soon as he put the gun to Mr. Jackson’s head, it went off. Inmate Grant stated he went there trying to make a point. He added, “But it was stupid I know”. When asked why he took Robert Jackson’s service weapon he didn’t really have an answer.
Inmate Grant stated he threw the .22 in the river, which was witnessed by Martin Williams. He added that he traded Mr. Jackson’s service weapon for a stereo. That weapon was later recovered by law enforcement, after it was used in an unrelated armed robbery and the suspect was arrested.
It was not until 1981 until inmate Grant was arrested, convicted, and sentenced for the offense, due to his being incarcerated in Wisconsin for Armed Robbery.
Inmate Grant stated before the murder of Robert Jackson he had committed several armed robberies between October ’75 and May ’76. He said he used a sawed off shotgun during those crimes. He said he didn’t believe it really worked, as he put it, and eventually threw it in the river. Inmate Grant stated the shotgun was recovered by Federal agents who also had information on him.
He was subsequently charged for the armed robberies and sentenced to 4 years in Wisconsin. He was paroled for that crime in June of 1980.
INTITUTIONAL ADJUSTMENT
According to Inmate Grant’s offender overview, he has an exceptional work history. He has been rotated through the print shop, employee commissary, and administration building. He stated he is currently assigned in the print shop. His adjustment is described as excellent.
While incarcerated he has earned an Associate’s of Arts Degree, and Associate of Applied Science degree. He has also earned certificates for business management, construction occupations, and photography and graphic arts. He served as a violence prevention peer facilitator from 2008 to 2016. He has also completed lifestyle redirection and anger management programs. He has worked in many specialized positions while at Dixon.
Inmate Grant stated he served in the Marine Corps from 1972 to 1974 and received an honorable discharge. He stated he was in Vietnam during the cease fire and did not see live combat.
He stated, “They don’t have to worry about me doing anything negative again, and I’m no threat to anyone. I never want to be a burden. I’m truly sorry to Mr. Jackson and his family. I think of him every day. He guides me.”
PAROLE PLANS
Inmate Grant has been pre-approved to reside at St Leonard’s House in Chicago. He said he has several interests for employment, and said he likes to work with his hands.
SUMMARY
The murder of Robert Jackson was just one incident of a spree of violent crimes committed by Inmate Grant within an 8-month period. The murder remained unsolved for five years, until Inmate Grant was paroled for another crime and began talking to friends about the murder. The senseless execution of Robert Jackson was for revenge, and was pre planned.
Inmate Grant does not have what should be considered a solid parole plan. To allow Inmate Grant parole at this time would seriously deprecate the seriousness of this offense, and promote disrespect of the law.
Chairman Findley requested to know if Inmate Grant has received votes in the past. Member Fisher noted that he has had some votes in the past, as many as two or three.
Member E. Johnson inquired as to whether or not Inmate Grant had any family. Member Fisher stated that Inmate Grant is divorced with 5 children. His last family visit was in 2014.
Member Tupy requested to know how many prior armed robberies Inmate Grant committed. Member Fisher stated that he had 3-4 prior armed robberies.
Member Shelton asked if Inmate Grant was still receiving tickets. Member Fisher advised that his last ticket was in 2014. Inmate Grant has had 2 major tickets and 7 minor tickets since 2002.
Member Harris requested to know why Member Fisher is not supporting parole. Member Fisher said he cannot support parole due to the murder being a senseless act. Furthermore, he had an ok parole plan, but not a strong on.
Motion to deny parole (PF-KT). Motion prevails by a vote of 10 to 2. Members voting in favor of the motion are Mr. Clough, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Fisher, Ms. Harris, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Norton, Ms. Perkins, Mr. Shelton, Mr. Tupy, and Chairman Findley.
“The Board makes a specific finding that the release of victim protest letters could subject a person to actual risk of physical harm.”