The Renaissance Letter: Harvey man charged with killing Chicago cop during traffic stop

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A Harvey man opening fire on a Chicago cop. Harvey Police Department executive makes an exit from the embattled department. Here are the top 5 things you need to know about the latest happenings in Harvey and the south suburbs for the week of November 11, 2024.

5. Casino with resort-like experience opens in Homewood today

The Wind Creek Casino has opened its doors to south suburbanites on 173rd St. and Halsted St. in Homewood. Last week, reporters were treated to an exclusive look at the endeavor, which aims to be a resort-like experience. It includes over 1,400 slot machines, 15 table games, and a sports bar with 18 television screens with plans for sports book in 2025, and multiple restaurants. Next year, an adjoining hotel with spa and rooftop steakhouse will open in East Hazel Crest. Plans for a concert venue are still in the works. Revenues will be shared among 42 south suburban municipalities.

4. Service bureau commander exits Harvey Police Department after nine months

Robin Bolde is done leading a key division of Harvey Police Department after less than a year on the job. Bolde began working in the department in December 2023. It’s currently unclear whether she resigned or was fired. She exited in September, according to records with the Illinois State Law Enforcement Training and Standards. Bolde is now a police officer at Indiana University Northwest, according to her LinkedIn profile. She made history the first Black woman Assistant Police Chief in Lynwood, where she served before coming to Harvey, and served in Gary, Ind. Her exit comes as Harvey police have been caught helping Mayor Chris Clark frame an alderwoman for assault and intimidate critics.

3. Kenneth Henderson, unable to hold local office due to felony convictions, appointed to WHD 147 board

West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147 appointed Kenneth Henderson to the school board last month even though felony convictions bar him from holding local office. Henderson has two felony convictions: one for controlled substance in 2009 and another for aggravated use of a weapon in 2015. State law prohibits those with felony convictions from holding local office, though they are permitted to hold county or state office. [full video]

2. Woman killed on 147th St. after gunmen opens fire on funeral procession

Rhomesha Turner, 34, of Calumet Park was shot and killed November 2 following her brother’s funeral service at St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church in Harvey. Turner then crashed her white SUV into a home on the corner of 147th St. and Seeley Ave. in Dixmoor. That scene played out across the street from Rosa Parks Middle School at West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147. Officers from Harvey, Posen, Markham, and Midlothian were on scene that afternoon. The shooting may have been retaliatory in nature, one officer on scene told the HWH.

1. Harvey man charged with killing Chicago police officer

Darion McMillian, 23, of 145th St. and Myrtle Ave. is charged with killing a Chicago Police Department Officer Enrique Martinez last week during a traffic stop on Chicago’s South Side. Chicago police brass announced charges against McMilian last week, which include first-degree murder of a police officer, first-degree murder, residential burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated use of a weapon by a felon. McMilian is also accused of using a “switch,” which allows a regular handgun to fire like a machine gun.