WLS-TV/ABC News(CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill.) — The family of the 18-year old Chicago-area man who was bound and allegedly tortured Tuesday in a Facebook Live video spoke out for the first time Thursday.
“He’s doing well — as well as he could be at this time,” the victim’s brother-in-law, David Boyd, told reporters at a press conference at a Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
“We’re so grateful for all the prayers and efforts that led to the safe return of our brother,” Boyd said.
Police said the victim has “mental health challenges.”
“This should never happen,” Boyd said of his brother-in-law being tormented for nearly six hours by his captors at an apartment on Chicago’s West Side.
Boyd said the family is “trying to stick together” and has been “overwhelmed and surprised” by the outpouring of support from the public.
“We’re happy everyone is concerned,” he said. “We appreciate all the support from everyone … We haven’t spoken to anyone but each other, but we have read what’s out there and we really appreciate it.”
He added, “At this time, we ask for continued prayers for all those involved and for our family’s privacy as we cope and heal. We would also like to thank the Streamwood and Chicago police departments for their help.”
Boyd also confirmed that the family is “fully aware of the charges being brought against the offenders.”
CPD Arrested and Charged all four offenders with Hate Crime, as well as other charges, from West Side kidnapping and attack. Presser@2:15 pic.twitter.com/EoYnluf573
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) January 5, 2017
Jordan Hill, 18, sisters Brittany and Tanishia Covington, 18 and 24 respectively, and Tesfaye Cooper, 18, were charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Hill, Cooper and Brittany Covington were also charged with residential burglary. Hill was additionally charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, according to the prosecutor’s office.
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