CHICAGO — A Humboldt Park man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for murdering a customer during a drug deal in a neighborhood “safety zone” — an area specifically marked to deter violence and crime.
Prosecutors say 25-year-old Jacquail Jones fatally beat 52-year-old Michael Foley in a vacant lot near Chicago and Ridgeway avenues in November 2022, after Foley used counterfeit cash to buy drugs.
The assault took place under a Chicago Police Department surveillance camera and next to a posted safety zone sign, which prohibits drugs, guns, and gambling.
Caught on Camera in a Marked ‘Safe’ Area
The beating happened in broad daylight just after Foley left a corner store. Prosecutors said Jones followed him into a nearby lot, struck him from behind, and then stomped on his head.
He used what appeared to be a brick or large rock to repeatedly hit Foley, leaving him with fatal head injuries. Foley died the next day.
Despite being in a safety-designated area, the attack went unchecked. Court documents confirmed the area was under CPD camera surveillance, but no officers intervened.
Jones Confessed to Killing Over Counterfeit Money
Surveillance video and witness statements helped identify Jones, who later confessed to police that he attacked Foley because he used fake cash during a drug transaction.
After the fatal beating, Jones returned to the store and casually purchased a bag of chips before leaving the area, according to prosecutors.
At the time of the incident, Jones was already out on bail in a stolen vehicle case. That case was dropped as part of his plea deal.
He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced by Judge Timothy Joyce to 25 years in prison.
What Are Chicago’s “Safety Zones”?
So-called “safety zones” are areas designated by the city with signs declaring no guns, gambling, or drug activity. They are meant to deter crime through surveillance and awareness.
But residents of Humboldt Park say these zones lack enforcement and fail to provide real safety.
“It’s not enough to put a sign and a camera and walk away,” one local resident said. “We need officers who engage and patrol the community.”
Community Frustration After High-Profile Killing
The killing has intensified concerns in Humboldt Park about the effectiveness of CPD’s safety zone strategy. Locals note that violent incidents continue even near schools and family parks.
City officials have acknowledged the limitations of safety zones and are discussing possible revisions or community-based enhancements, but no changes have been made yet.
Have you witnessed violence or crime in one of Chicago’s “safety zones”? Share your experience or photo evidence with our team. We’re tracking the effectiveness of these designations across the city. Visit ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com for more coverage of public safety, neighborhood concerns, and local crime investigations.
