Allendale attorneys to oppose release of documents in teen's death
Attorneys for a Lake Villa center for youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities said they would oppose the release of documents in the criminal case involving the March 30 death of a teen.
A June 3 hearing is set to decide what paperwork can be obtained from Allendale Association of Lake Villa in the death of Shaquan Allen, 16, of Chicago, as part of the felony case against two employees - James Davis, 37, of Round Lake, and co-defendant Justin Serak, 27, of Grafton, Wisconsin.
Davis is charged with involuntary manslaughter and obstruction of justice for killing Shaquan and trying to cover up the cause of the death. Serak is charged with two felony counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to police investigating the death, authorities said.
Allendale attorney Joseph Waldeck told Judge Daniel Shanes in court Tuesday that Allendale will oppose some subpoenas to release documents in the criminal case.
Serak is free from Lake County jail after posting the required 10 percent of his $50,000 bail.
Davis remains held in jail on $500,000 bail. Shanes denied an attempt by attorney Eric Rinehart to have Davis' bond lowered Tuesday. Rinehart said Davis is a former military veteran, had no previous record, held a stable job and was not a risk to leave the area.
Authorities say Davis and Serak were trying to get Shaquan back into his room after a behavioral episode about 9:30 p.m. Serak grabbed the teen's legs and Davis his upper body, applying a chokehold, authorities say.
Lake Villa police and rescue were called to Allendale campus at 9:58 p.m. in response to a reported injury. Shaquan was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was pronounced dead at 11:10 p.m., officials said. Officials said 15 minutes passed between the time he became unconscious and 9-1-1 was called by the Allendale staff.
The two employees initially told investigators Shaquan slipped on water on the floor, officials said. However, 16 witnesses contradicted that statement, which led to the charges.
Serak later admitted to police he and Davis came up with the story to make the death appear to be an accident, officials said.