Waukegan City Council votes to censure alderman over Facebook post of arm

DNA testing is underway to determine if arm belongs to Sade Robinson, a Milwaukee woman murdered and
dismembered last month

As investigators in multiple jurisdictions continue their search for remains of a woman believed to have been murdered and dismembered, a member of a government body in Illinois formally condemned one of its members over a social media post which depicted a picture of a human arm.

The Waukegan City Council voted 6-3 to censure Ward 6 Alderman Keith Turner because of the graphic Facebook post.

Someone found the arm May 11 along Lake Michigan in Waukegan. A spokesperson for the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation into Robinson’s death, said experts are conducting DNA testing to see if the arm belongs to Robinson.

“Shocking discovery at Waukegan Beach!” Turner’s mid-May post read, “A severed arm found, but no report or mention from the administration. What’s the story behind this mysterious incident? #WaukeganBeach #MysteryUnsolved.” The post initially included the photo of the arm. The photo has since been removed.

Some have asked for Turner to apologize for the controversial post. Ahead of Monday night’s vote, at least one member of the City Council echoed the request. In his first public comments about the controversy, Turner said the planned censure vote was politically motivated because he’s running for mayor.

“It is important to note that this post was not made in my capacity of alderman, nor did it involve the use of city resources. I am profoundly disturbed that these public officials would misuse their authority in such a manner, attacking my character and fostering a hostile work environment within the city council,” Turner said.

The resolution called Turner’s actions unauthorized, insensitive and disgraceful and questions his ability to handle sensitive information.