Chloe Hilles, Author at Injustice Watch

A woman surrounded by flowers breaks through prison bars, with the words "Free Bernina" above her head.

Parole and Clemency

Prosecutors said her sexual orientation was motive to kill. Now, she’s asking Illinois’ governor for clemency.

Bernina Mata’s case sheds light on the ‘abuse-to-prison pipeline’ and the infrequency of clemency approvals.

by Chloe Hilles January 26, 2022January 8, 2024

Gerald Berry, 16 in this photo, holding his baby brother Kendrick. Berry is serving life in prison on a felony murder conviction.

Criminal Courts

Illinois changed its controversial ‘felony murder rule.’ Here’s who the reform left behind.

Illinois recently made changes to narrow the scope of the law, which disproportionately impacts young people of color and women. But advocates say the reforms don’t go far enough.

by Rita Oceguera and Chloe Hilles January 20, 2022January 8, 2024

Illinois Prisons

Health care in Illinois prisons is deficient: Report

Health care inside Illinois prisons does not meet standards, and serious health issues are going untreated, according to an independent, court-ordered monitor.

by Chloe Hilles October 21, 2021January 8, 2024

Toni Preckwinkle sits in the foreground in a green jacket, while Joanne Fehn stands at a lecturn in the large and airy IBEW Local 134 union hall

2022 Primary

Judicial hopefuls seek Cook County Democratic Party’s endorsement for 2022 primary

A diverse lineup of judicial candidates courted the party’s central committee at the obscure “pre-slating” event.

by Maya Dukmasova and Chloe Hilles October 15, 2021June 16, 2025

A white bus parking in front of a brick wall with the words "Sheriff of Cook County" written in gold lettering on the side

Cook County Jail

Cook County sheriff takes state officials to court over stalled prison transfers

Sheriff Tom Dart filed a petition before the Illinois Supreme Court on Monday asking the justices to force the state department of corrections to accept the transfer of over 500 people from the Cook County Jail.

by Carlos Ballesteros and Chloe Hilles September 23, 2021January 8, 2024

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