Autopsy: Head trauma killed Mackinaw man

Posted on August 28, 2019
Grant Whitaker (left) and Mavrick Fisher (right). (Photo from The Press Democrat)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Sheriff’s police in Lake County, Calif. are releasing more information about a Tazewell County man’s murder.

In a statement, police said an autopsy performed on the body of Grant Whitaker, 25, of Mackinaw, determined he died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Authorities found the remains in a remote area Monday after receiving detailed directions where Whitaker’s body might be found.  Whitaker’s family believed he had been in a fight with travelling companion Mavrick Fisher, 21, of Nevada.

Fisher allegedly confessed to the killing and police in Mexico had contacted him.  California police expected to take Fisher into custody.

He’ll be held without the possibility of posting bail.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…