Aréanah Preston was all set to graduate with a master’s degree in law from Loyola University Chicago on Saturday, May 13. Preston hoping to join the FBI to pursue a career investigating sex crimes, according to Loyola Law Professor Sara Block. But that triumphant moment cut short Preston killed slain in a robbery outside her home last Saturday. Loyola University Chicago will award Preston’s Master’s degree posthumously. Therefore, with her mother, Dionne Mhoon, accepted the award on her behalf.
Aréanah Preston’s Murder Story
Police reported Wednesday that four teenagers were charged with murder in connection with the death of Officer Aréanah Preston. She was found shot to death near her Avalon Park home over the weekend. Trevell Breeland and Joseph Brooks, both 19; Jakwon Buchanan, 18; and a 16-year-old charged as an adult face first-degree murder. In addition, charges in the fatal shooting, as well as charges for armed robbery, arson, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and unlawful use of a weapon, according to authorities.
They set their Court appearance on May 30. An assistant state’s attorney said in bond court the group committed five robberies and one carjacking in the two-hour period leading up to the fatal gunshot.
Furthermore, the agency announced on Monday that Preston’s death will be classified as a “line-of-duty death.” This will result in additional compensation for the officer’s family. According to the initial account of what transpired that night, the adolescents got out of their vehicle and went towards the officer, with one of them firing a gunshot.
Preston returned fire and shot as the firing continued before one of the youths seized her gun and fled the area, according to authorities. Police suspect the group was in a stolen red Kia Forte. In this case, the vehicle was stolen approximately an hour before Preston was shot. According to police, at least three of the four got out of the car, and at least two of them fired at Preston — who was still wearing her uniform — and returned fire.
(Flickr CC0)
Dionne Mhoon Mother of Aréanah Preston Speaks
“She was a student who was dynamic, intelligent, committed, and a very driven person. She wanted to make this world a better place,” Block said. Preston enrolled in Block’s child welfare and juvenile justice programs.
Furthermore, Block said the officer was attempting to gain an education while still executing her obligations as a public servant. Preston would occasionally connect to her online classes. Even in uniform from her police car.
Her Teaches Express What Student She Was
Preston, according to Block, had a balanced worldview that prioritized safety for individuals and communities. Also promoting rehabilitation and understanding why people make sometimes bad decisions. “She was trying to understand how these systems could better meet the needs of those individuals. Before they did something really harmful,” Block explained. “It was a unique perspective as a law enforcement officer that was really evident in how she viewed the issues.”
“Our university community is shocked and saddened by her tragic passing,” a spokeswoman for Loyola said. “Her kindness, intellect, and commitment to service will be remembered by her faculty and classmates. We would want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Preston family. But also, everyone whose lives she impacted.” Preston had previously graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement administration.
Preston met Professor Charles Bell there, who described her as a “very engaged, very vocal student.” He stated she was “very respectful of others’ opinions, and just very passionate about making a difference. Showing young people that policing is [something] that can make a difference in the community.”
By Kelianexis Rodriguez
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Slain Officer Aréanah Preston’s mother will accept her graduate degree from Loyola University
NBC CHICAGO:4 Charged With Murder in Killing of Officer Aréanah Preston in Chicago: Police
WGNTV:4 charged with murder of CPD officer Aréanah Preston; no bail
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Eugene Zemlyanskiy Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mack Male Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
