Candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan | Jesse Sullivan/Facebook
Candidate for governor Jesse Sullivan | Jesse Sullivan/Facebook
Gubernatorial candidate Jesse Sullivan is advocating against the parole of murderer and sexual predator Curtis Brownwell.
"In 1977 Curtis Brownell kidnapped, raped and killed Louise Marie Betts," Sullivan said in a press release. "Four months later, he was caught attempting to do the same to a pregnant woman, who he kidnapped, raped and attempting to kill by running over her over with his car. In addition to these gruesome crimes, he's admitted to sexual abuse of a child."
Sullivan, 37, a tech entrepreneur, is proud to have been born and raised in Menard County, where he learned his values to fight not only for corruption but also against crimes.
"Because Brownell's crimes were committed prior to 1978, he is entitled to a parole hearing every 3-5 years," Sullivan stated. "Given the questionable judgment that (Gov.) J.B. Pritzker's appointed Prisoner Review Board has shown in the past, we urge the Board to stand with the families of his victims and to reject parole for Curtis Brownell. He presents a clear and present danger to society, and he should not be released."
In 1978, Brownell was convicted and sentenced to 100 to 300 years in prison. He was last denied parole in 2019. He has appeared in front of the parole board 14 times.
The criticism comes amid a rare schism between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Senate Democrats. A recent nominee from Pritzker to the Prison Review Board was denied by the Senate. The move comes after Zelma King, convicted of triple murder, was released.
A change.org petition has collected over 4,400 of the target 5,000 signatures. "Because my friend never deserved this by any means and this animal doesn't deserve to ever see the outside again in his life. Louise, was my best friend and I pray to God this inhumane person dies where he is," Connie Mangrum of Rockford, Ill., said on the petition website.
Apart from Mangrum, two more people published a petition to Pritzker and the Illinois Prison Review Board to "Keep Curtis Brownell in prison." In total, these have gained over 10,000 supporters.
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