John Thornton, Mayor of Washington Park, Shot To Death This Morning

By Chad Garrison Thu., Apr. 1 2010 at 9:33 AM

Categories: News, The Big Bloody (Homicides)

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kmov.com

John Thornton

Washington Park Mayor John Thornton was found dead in his car this morning, the victim of two gunshots to the chest.

As KMOV reports this morning, the mayor allegedly stopped in the 5 a.m. hour to pick up a pedestrian near the 4700 block of Caseyville Avenue.

According to the television station, it's not uncommon for the mayor to offer rides to the residents of his impoverished, metro east community -- known best for its collection of grimy strip clubs. Still, it seems to defy common sense.

The person Thornton picked up this morning allegedly tried to rob the mayor. After shooting Thornton, the gunman hopped out of the car and into a red Chevrolet. Thornton's car continued moving, slowly veering off the road and crashing into a tree.

Police have captured the person driving the get-away car, though the gunman remains on the loose.

Washington Park, Illinois is a small town just outside of St. Louis. At the time of the 2000 census, it had just more than 5,300 residents.

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thats my grandfather katina morrow is my mother
I feel as though everyone has a right to their own opinion but if you don't know the facts (all the facts aren't in) people need to check themselves. I know this mans family, and know him to be a hands on Mayor. Why point the finger @ the victim? To me this shows a great deal of ignorance!! This was a man who was trying to help his people make the village a safe place to live. We need more people like him to make this world a better place. It isn't common knowledge that he was receiving threats but didn't let that keep him form trying to improve things for the people. It is easy to talk about cleaning up Washington park, it is another thing to be proactive in the efforts to do so. No one has the right to judge him in anyway, that's for GOD and GOD only to do! My prayers go out to the family and the people of Washington Park.
Keep in mind this is an absurdly dangerous neighborhood right next to East St. Louis (also a bad bad area.) Pedestrians there do not really represent hitchhikers as a whole. Just living there is biding your time until you are shot to death; as a target or just in the crossfire. I used to live right outside of it, people used to sleep in cast iron tubs so that stray bullets flying through their houses wouldn't kill them in the night.
No good deed goes unpunished.
Don't pick up hitch-hikers.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. I AM PRAYING FOR THE THORTON FAMILY
IT IS AMAZING HOW PPL QUICKLY FOCUS ON THE WHY'S AND POINT THE FINGER AT THE VICTIM.. DID YALL MISS THE FACT THAT THIS WONDERFUL MAN, DOES THIS ON A REGULAR, DIDN'T JUDGE ANYONE ON WHAT THEY DID, JUST WAS OUT THERE TO HELP. DID YOU MISS THAT HE WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK, AND NORMALLY CHECKS THAT THE POLICE R OUT DOING THEIR JOB. Y THE MAN HAD TO BE PICKING UP A HOOKER??? IT IS THE IGNORANT PPL LIKE THAT, THAT REPS THE WASHINGTON PARK. I PRAY FOR THE THORTON AND MAY GOD BE WITH EVERYONE
Wow, may God through his Holy Spirit provide great comfort to the family and the town. May they use this as a rally point to build up within. What a great man.
just remember everyone has dark secrets. if he made one that night it could have just not wanted to be a secret. so let it be.
I agree with angrysamoan. The article doesn't seem completely honest. "metro east community -- known best for its collection of grimy strip clubs." He might have been picking up a hooker. I feel for his friends and family. I think the person responsible should be held accountable. However, what is a man doing at 5 am giving a "ride" to someone in a shady part of town?
Because he was a Mayor and as stated above he would often give rides to his people out of kindness. Why can't people be generally nice and not have it considered something bad? I hope they get the douchebag that shot him and wish there are more Mayors like this one!
this whole thing is suspicious. sounds more like a drug deal. why wopuld he offer a "ride" to someone at that time of the morning and especially when they had a red car handy. that whole part of east st louis is full of scumbags
Wow, I'm guessing someone had a grudge against him. Lou www.anonymous-surfing.us.tc
I am sorry for the loss of John. To my friend Anika and family I am here for you and will be praying for all of you. Chartashia Miller