A Chicago murder suspect with a history of arrests and releases has been charged in connection to a brutal assault on the Magnificent Mile. Henry Graham, a 49-year-old with multiple convictions for battery and assault, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Russell Long. The incident occurred on June 29, when Graham allegedly attacked Long from behind, delivering a closed-fist blow to the back of his head. Long fell onto the concrete and sustained a traumatic brain injury, leading to his death on July 12.
Despite admitting to the assault, Graham was not taken into custody at the time. It wasn’t until four months later that charges were finally filed. Police had arrested Graham multiple times this year for various assaults, including one just two days before the deadly attack on Long. However, many of these cases were dropped or resulted in minimal sentences.
The delayed response and failure to keep Graham in custody have raised questions about the police handling of the case. The Chicago Police Department has since opened an internal investigation into the matter. A friend of Long’s had to call 911 from his bedside at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, urging the police to dispatch an officer and take a report.
Russell Long, the victim of this tragic incident, is remembered as a man of intelligence, creativity, and adventure. He served as the vice president of operations at Northern Trust Bank for 26 years. His death has been ruled a homicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner.
Graham, who has a criminal background that includes aggravated battery of a peace officer and a federal charge of importing firearms, is currently being held without bond at the Cook County Jail. Judge Barbara Dawkins has deemed him a public safety threat and ordered him to remain in custody.
The case highlights the need for improved criminal justice procedures and accountability. The repeated arrests and releases of a violent offender raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system. The tragic loss of Russell Long serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of the community.
