Community Corner

Man Touched Kids At Waterpark | Victim Captures Shooting On Snapchat | Violent Robbery

Christkindlmarket returns | $22.5M for wrongful conviction for arson, murder | Teens kick, beat on doors in "challenge" | Stranded sparrow

Odyss Tsarouhis, co-owner of Reichman Jewelers, shows the scar where he was shot in the chest during a violent armed robbery in July 2022.
Odyss Tsarouhis, co-owner of Reichman Jewelers, shows the scar where he was shot in the chest during a violent armed robbery in July 2022. (Lorraine Swanson/Patch/File)

ILLINOIS — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Illinois. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

'Stop, Bro!': Shooting Victim Recorded Gunman On Snapchat, Prosecutors Say

A barbershop brawl last week led to a brazen attempted murder days later, authorities said. The victim caught the attack on Snapchat, according to police.

Man Who Exposed Himself, Recorded Children At Waterpark Imprisoned

In July 2023, lifeguards caught the 39-year-old lying in a raft in the lazy river with his swim trunks down, exposing himself at Illinois's largest water park. When detectives got involved, they determined he recorded children in the lazy river using a handheld camera. Some videos showed him touching kids' feet, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoiswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Arrest Made In 2022 Robbery, Shooting At Jewelry Store

Police said the three entered the jewelry store with guns drawn and disarmed the security guard. As the robbery continued, the store co-owner emerged from the back room to see what the commotion was about, one of the robbers shot him twice in the wrist and chest. He later closed down the store, telling Patch, "It’s too crazy out there."

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoiswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Emily Rosca/Patch

Christkindlmarket Returns To Suburb For 3rd Year

Christkindlmarket is modeled after the classic holiday markets with traditional candy cane striped huts in Nuremberg, Germany. The season begins Nov. 22.

$22.5M Settlement After Wrongful Conviction For Arson, Murder

He confessed to killing his mother-in-law by setting a fire after 15 hours of interrogation. Nearly 30 years later, after he was acquitted in a second trial, his estate won a settlement in the wrongful conviction. William Amor died in 2023, but the case was settled this week.

Teens Kicking, Beating On Doors 'Not A Harmless Prank': Police

Police said the possible challenge — a twist on "ding-dong ditch" — could put teens in danger if homeowners arm themselves, thinking they are being targeted in a home invasion.

Courtesy of Niki Costello

Sparrow Stranded After Derecho A Fighter

Niki Costello knew she needed to help the featherless creature found after the July 15 derecho. Now, the little bird is thriving, and slowly venturing out on its own.


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