Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - September 21, 2006
Brendan McCarthy, Tribune staff reporter, bmccarthy@tribune.com
Michael Jackson was convicted last month of second-degree murder in the death of Haroon Paryani, 62, after the two fought over an $8 fare in February 2005.
Cook County Criminal Court Judge James Schreier said that Jackson's driving back and forth over Paryani's body was a "salient factor in this case.
"What matter of man would drive over another human being three times?" Schreier said.
Jackson, 38, a former Chicago Public Health Department employee and an AIDs activist, showed little reaction as Schreier issued the sentence.
In a statement prior to the sentencing, Jackson said his life has been dedicated to helping others.
"What happened that night was a tragic event. I mourn for the loss of another soul," Jackson said.
Sitting in the courtroom gallery, Jackson's partner sobbed, consoled by friends. Across the aisle, Paryani's family shed tears of their own.
Jackson could have been given a sentence ranging from probation to 20 years. Cook County Assistant State's Atty. Mercedes Luque-Rosales had asked for the maximum sentence.
Jackson's defense lawyer, Tom Breen, said he thought the 15-year sentence was a victory for Jackson, considering that more serious charges were averted.
Jackson was acquitted last month of first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking for which he could have received a natural-life sentence had he been convicted.
Jackson likely will serve 6 years to 7 years in prison, with credit for good behavior and time served, according to the lawyers involved.
Upon leaving the Criminal Courts Building after the more than 90-minute hearing Wednesday, Paryani's daughter Keeran, 21, said that the family was pleased with the sentence. "The pain won't go away, but this is something we will have to live with," she said.
During the sentencing hearing, Paryani's deaf son choked back tears as he gave a victim's impact statement through an interpreter.
"Justice has been served by giving Michael Jackson a second-degree murder charge, but it will never bring our father back, or bring our families back to a stable state of mind," said Amir Paryani, 35.
During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Jackson as a cold-blooded killer who ran over Paryani with Paryani's Ford Crown Victoria cab. More than eight witnesses testified that they saw the two men fighting around midnight in the 500 block of West Briar Place.
They said that at one point Paryani fell face-forward on the street. Jackson walked back to the cab, got behind the wheel and drove over Paryani three times.
Jackson, testifying in his own defense, said that Paryani had attacked him after he questioned the roughly $8 fare. Jackson claimed the fare should have been about $4.
Defense lawyers argued throughout the trial that Paryani was the aggressor and that he made anti-gay and anti-Jewish comments directed at Jackson.
Jackson, who is HIV positive, is awaiting trial on a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault for allegedly spitting on a nurse at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove in April 2005.
He also is awaiting trial on a misdemeanor charge for aggravated assault for allegedly having sexual contact with inmates in the DuPage County Jail without disclosing his HIV status.
Both the nurse and an inmate testified at the sentencing hearing Wednesday.
---
Tribune staff reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed to this report.
060921
CT060911
Copyright © 2006 - Chicago Tribune. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Chicago Tribune, Permissions Desk, 435 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 http://www.chicagotribune.com
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .