To: Robert D. Graves, Hinsdale Town Manager

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens, demand the immediate termination of Hinsdale Police Chief Shawn Boyne and Sergeant Dominic Crupi. Their reckless actions and catastrophic failure of leadership on January 7, 2026, directly resulted in the preventable death of Mr. Biagio Kauvil. As the only command staff in the Hinsdale Police Department, these two men demonstrated a severe lack of judgment that makes them unfit to serve in law enforcement. Their continued presence on the force presents a direct and ongoing threat to public safety.

During a well-being check for an individual experiencing a known mental health crisis, Chief Boyne and Sergeant Crupi completely abandoned modern police protocols. A responding patrol officer explicitly asked if the department should contact a mental health clinician to help de-escalate the situation. Chief Boyne and Sergeant Crupi ignored this critical suggestion. Instead of relying on trained mental health professionals, they chose to handle a severe psychological crisis with brute force.

Furthermore, the command staff falsely believed they could manage the crisis simply because Sergeant Crupi had previously helped Biagio with a stuck car in the snow. Relying on a minor, friendly encounter to predict the behavior of someone suffering from intense paranoia and a mental health crisis shows a dangerous lack of understanding. A brief interaction in the snow does not replace psychiatric training, nor does it excuse the refusal to call in available mental health experts.

The situation turned deadly because of a direct order from command. Biagio was contained alone inside a locked bedroom and had not committed any violent acts. Department policy clearly states that officers must avoid physical contact and take time to safely assess the situation when no violence has occurred. In direct defiance of these de-escalation rules, Chief Boyne ordered Sergeant Crupi to force his way through the locked door. Sergeant Crupi executed this breach, instantly escalating a static, contained situation into 43 seconds of chaos that ended a young man's life.

When police leaders abandon core safety policies, ignore the pleas of patrol officers to call mental health professionals, and recklessly escalate a delicate crisis, they betray the public trust. We cannot allow leaders who show such a reckless disregard for human life to retain their authority.

We urge you to take immediate action to protect our community. Terminate Chief Shawn Boyne and Sergeant Dominic Crupi without delay.

Sign this petition to demand accountability and protect our community from dangerous policing.