Woman Allegedly Battered by Cop Can’t Remember Beating

By Joseph Hosey

When a woman answered the phone at her boyfriend's Joliet motel room, Shantique Jackson drove over there and banged and kicked at the door.

After the boyfriend, 48-year-old Anthony Layne, refused to come out, she called 911 and said he "put his hands on" her the day before. But instead of arresting Layne, the officer who showed up took Jackson into custody for rushing at Layne and kicking his leg.

And while he was subduing her, the cop, 37-year-old Thomas O'Connor, allegedly punched Jackson in the face and head well over a dozen times.

Video of the beating was shown Tuesday during O'Connor's trial. O'Connor has since been fired by the Joliet Police Department and faces charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct.

Jackson, 43, admitted to kicking Layne's leg during her testimony Tuesday. She said she went after him after he told O'Connor she was a "disgruntled ex."

"We had just slept together," said Jackson. The Yorkville resident also recalled how she was supposed to drive Layne from his room at the Star Inn to the hospital so he could have back surgery.

O'Connor's attorney, Jeff Tomczak, said Layne was a convicted murderer at the time of the attack and O'Conner was provided that information en route to the Star Inn. O'Connor had to take drastic measures to subdue an uncooperative Jackson while his back was turned to Layne, Tomczak said.

Tomczak did not elaborate on Layne's past murder conviction. Jackson said Layne is currently incarcerated and a source said he is in a Michigan prison serving time for murder.

Jackson said she suffered black eyes, a broken nose and a concussion, which she believes has robbed her of her recollection of the beating.

"After he started hitting me in my head, I can't remember anything," said Jackson, who also told of her alleged abuse at the hands of Layne.

"I was so used to getting beaten, I knew how to lay down and take the punches," she said. "I'm the type of lady to lay down and take it and eventually it will be over with."

Jackson had sued both O'Connor and the City of Joliet but the case was dismissed. She said her attorneys are planning on filing a new lawsuit but she is not interested in collecting any money from it.

"I don't care about the money," she said. "I just care about being hurt."

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