A family’s call for help should never result in the death of their loved one at the hands of those who are sworn to serve and protect. 

Mary Alice Love's family faced a heartbreaking ordeal that has left us all with a sense of urgency for justice. During a time when they sought help for Mary Alice, who was experiencing a mental health episode, the situation turned tragic. Rather than receiving the compassionate assistance they needed, law enforcement's response led to the unnecessary and tragic death of Mary Alice Love.

On that fateful day, officers from the Mundelein Police Department arrived. In a shocking sequence of events, Mary Alice’s mother, Jeffry, was dragged to the ground without provocation. Compelled by the commotion and concern for her mother, Mary Alice approached the scene from the back patio where she was sitting outside by herself. Before even crossing the threshold of her home,  and without any imminent threat to police, Mary Alice Love was fatally shot at least 6 times  by Officer Christopher Brigano. 

Mary Alice Love is dead and Officer Brigano is on paid leave.  His actions have neither been prosecuted nor subject to discipline. 

This tragedy highlights the urgent need for accountability within the Mundelein Police Department. We urge the Village of Mundelein and the Police Department to recommend disciplinary action, up to and including the termination of Officer Brigano. When a situation calls for mental health assistance, a compassionate, measured, and appropriate response is essential.

This incident is not just about one officer's reckless actions; it reflects a broader systemic issue in how emergencies involving mental health are handled by law enforcement and the discrepancies in these responses to people of color. Officer Brigano was called to help in a non-violent mental health situation in Mary Alice Love’s own home. He treated it like a hostage situation, and treated her elderly, sick mother who called for their help like a criminal; battering Jeffry and shooting Mary Alice on her own threshold. 

By signing this petition, you are joining a call for accountability and reform to prevent further tragedies. We demand that Mundelein reevaluates its protocols and implements mandatory mental health crisis training for all officers and properly disciplines Officer Brigano for his actions in this unjustified shooting. This is a crucial step to ensure that other families do not have to suffer a tragic loss like the Loves have endured.

Your voice matters. Please stand with us to ensure justice for Mary Alice Love and to advocate for a more compassionate and effective approach to handling mental health crises. Sign this petition to demand reform and accountability within the Mundelein Police Department. Together, we can help change the system and protect our community.