As investigation continues, purple ribbons to memorialize Mundelein woman fatally shot by police
The family and supporters of a Mundelein woman who was fatally shot by police in May during an apparent mental health crisis will honor her by tying ribbons around trees and light poles this weekend.
It’ll be the latest public response to the death of 37-year-old Mary Alice Love.
The Love family and activist Ralph Peterson requested permission to display purple ribbons on public, roadside property starting Saturday, a village memo indicates. The ribbons are permitted to remain through Oct. 4.
However, the Illinois Department of Transportation or other organizations may control some roadside spots and could request that certain ribbons be removed, according to the memo.
On Monday, the village board approved the display without objection. Before moving on to other business, Mayor Robin Meier insisted the ribbons not go up early and that they be removed promptly.
Love was killed May 11 at the family’s home on Ashbrook Drive. Love’s mother had called 911 that day because Love, who reportedly had bipolar disorder, was making suicidal statements.
When police arrived, Love was armed with two knives. She was shot after rising from a patio table and opening a rear sliding-glass door leading to where her mother and some officers were, according to video released by police.
Members of Love’s family and their allies have said she was shot rather than subdued more peacefully because she was Black. There have been demonstrations, protests at village board meetings, and calls for the officers involved to be disciplined or fired.
The sergeant who shot Love remains on administrative leave while the case is investigated by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force and the Lake County state’s attorney’s office.
During the public comment section of Monday’s board meeting, many audience members spoke about Love’s death and demanded action, as they have for months. Among them was Chicagoan Anjanette Young, who was infamously victimized in a 2019 botched police raid at her apartment.
“Calling for help should never cost you your life,” Young said. “We’re standing here asking you to do the right thing.”
Love’s niece, Jayla Jackson, interrupted a woman who was at the lectern about a different issue by shouting, “Where are the answers for Mary Alice Love?” several times. Other people yelled different chants.
Mary Alice Love’s father, Johnny, rose to show the board and audience a family photograph that included his daughter among a dozen relatives.
“This is us,” he said repeatedly. “She’s not going to be forgotten. She’s not going to be put away. She’s going to be here as long as we’re here.”
rlissau@dailyherald.com