Sangamon Sun

Illinois General Assembly is known for its legislation, but behind every bill lies a story. Some are light-hearted, while others are tragic, like the murders of Pam Knight and AJ Freund. Although these cases have made headlines, the full story and the legislative efforts to prevent future tragedies have remained untold. That is until now.

Introducing "Capitol Crimes," a new podcast that delves into the stories behind the legislation introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives. Hosted by Dean Abbott, each episode uncovers the reasons behind the bills and what happened to them after being filed in the House.

The first episode of Capitol Crimes, titled "The Pam Knight Story," recounts the horrifying events that unfolded on a Friday night in September 2017. Pam Knight, a child protection specialist for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), was assigned to a case that would shake the community and the state. Unfortunately, legislation aimed at protecting DCFS caseworkers from violence on the job failed to pass.

Over the course of five years, there were ongoing efforts to enact legislation that would provide DCFS workers with the necessary on-the-job protections. However, the fight for justice and safety for Pam Knight and her colleagues continues.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie emphasizes the importance of supporting DCFS workers, stating, "Supporting our DCFS workers does not just mean attending their funerals; it means doing everything within our power to make sure those funerals never happen in the first place."

Representative Rosenthal also highlights the need for improved policies and legislation to keep DCFS workers safe. "Families across Illinois put their trust into state legislators and agencies to protect their well-being. DCFS workers also need protections as they often enter hostile environments. I think if we can definitely improve DCFS policies and pass legislation that better serves the agency and workers to keep them safe."

"Capitol Crimes" aims to shed light on the stories behind Illinois legislation, particularly those focused on public safety and government accountability. Listeners will hear from the sponsors of the bills, as well as witnesses and experts, as they uncover the motivations and progress of each legislative measure.

The podcast launches today with its first episode, followed by new episodes premiering every Monday for the next two weeks. After that, listeners can expect thoughtful and compelling episodes each month. The creators of "Capitol Crimes" hope that the public will tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and its impact on Illinoisans' safety and well-being.

To hear the full story of the Pam Knight tragedy and the ongoing fight for justice, be sure to listen to the first episode of "Capitol Crimes." It's time to uncover the hidden narratives behind Illinois legislation and work towards a safer future for all.