Family of postal worker killed in shooting pushes for cameras on expressways

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - Legislation aimed at helping state police catch perpetrators of shootings on Illinois highways passed a major hurdle Thursday afternoon.

The Bill, HB 0331, sponsored by Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D) – 29th, would create the Illinois Expressway Safety Act, also known as the Tamara Clayton Act, according to Jones.

The bill would be named after Tamara Clayton, 55, of Country Club Hills, was shot and killed while driving on I-57 in February while on her way to her job at the United States Postal Service. Her killer has not been caught.

More than 600 cameras monitor state highways, but only livestream the video. Under the bill, they would be replaced by high definition cameras capable of capturing license plates in order to help law enforcement capture people who shoot at others on state highways.

Since 2016, there have been 168 such shootings, but only seven arrests, according to Jones.

The bill passed the House 109-0 with one representative voting “present.” It will now move to the Illinois senate.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information in Clayton’s killing.