Patch Flash: Deadly Party Game Punch Defendant Goes Free

 Startz, 22, was charged after admitting to punching John Powell, 25, in the face as part of a dare made by co-defendant Jimmy Mounts at a Crest Hill house party. Mounts, who pleaded guilty last week to lying to police, reportedly offered $5 to anyone willing to be punched in the face by a girl. Startz’s attorney, called the incident “a party stunt that went terribly wrong,” saying Startz acted without malice.

Barrington resident Sam Amirante vividly remembers the phone call he received one cold December day in 1978 that would change his life. "Sam, could you do me a favor?" the caller said.  The voice on the other end of the phone belonged to John Wayne Gacy.

The family of a 22-year-old stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station believe he was murdered after testifying in a rape trial at the base. A five-part series, explores Kyle’s story and his death through interviews with his friends and family, examination of court records, secretly recorded conversations, medical documentation -- even a conversation with the seaman he testified against.

Tea Party-affiliated U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) has already described claims of his owing more than $115,000 in back child support payments as "wildly and off-the-charts inaccurate," but in a court filing submitted Tuesday, the freshman congressman accused his ex-wife Laura Walsh of lying about their arrangement.

As cities are increasingly legislating against multitasking on the road, a Oak Park is considering a ban on eating behind the wheel. Oak Park officials say they will consider adding an explicit ban on eating while driving when they revisit a local distracted driver ordinance related to texting behind the wheel.