Complicated domestic relations can lead to domestic violence murder. The brother of a Cook County judge stands accused of killing his sister and her husband. The suspect, Kenneth Rhodes, was living with the couple, Nathaniel Bracy and Pauline Betts-Bracy, at the time.
Police say the shooting at Country Club Hills stemmed from a domestic dispute over who owned the condominium in which all three adults lived, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Apparently, Rhodes had been belligerent the whole day, as the couple had filed a police report of domestic dispute just prior to the shooting.
The 50-year-old Rhodes has an extensive criminal record relating to drugs and he allegedly shot his sister and her husband multiple times, reports the Sun-Times. Rhodes is reportedly the brother of Cook County Judge James L. Rhodes, who is also the brother of the victim Pauline Betts-Bracy.
While this domestic situation may seem strange, you should know that domestic violence can occur in any living arrangement. And the laws that protect spouses, similarly protect other people living in a home. So if a father fears for his life from a son, or a sister fears her brother, the potential victims of the abuse can seek protective orders to ensure their safety.
Nathaniel Bracy and Pauline Betts-Bracy apparently did the right thing and filed a domestic dispute report regarding Kenneth Rhodes. Unfortunately, it's not clear if this step further inflamed the troubled Rhodes, causing him to murder the couple.
For immediate threats of danger, victims of domestic violence can call 911 for assistance and removal of the abuser. Sadly, it's not sure if there was even enough time for that step in this case of domestic violence murder.
Related Resources:
- Find a Chicago Family Law Attorney (FindLaw)
- Bond denied in Country Club Hills double homicide (Chicago Tribune)
- Domestic Violence Overview (FindLaw)
- Domestic Violence Murder: Brian Hawkins Killed by Girlfriend (FindLaw's Chicago Family Law Blog)
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