The body of Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott, pictured on the right with the Reverend Jesse Jackson, was found alongside the Chicago river early this morning. Police believe Scott shot himself in the head. A handgun was found near his body.
According to Jesse Jackson who spoke with Scott last week, he was under tremendous pressure from the community and the White House to address the gang violence that took the life of 16-year-old Derrion Albert in October.
Other sources believe Scott’s job was on the line due to the intense media scrutiny given to the case. The savage death of the Fenger High student on Sept. 24 was captured on a cell phone camera and went viral on YouTube.
His death prompted visits to the school from the Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. And the president of the United States sent U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan to visit Chicago in October to talk about what the Obama administration is doing to combat youth violence.
Three youths are being held without bond in the Derrion Albert beating case.
Although Reverend Jackson clarified to MyFoxChicago.com that he was not under the impression that Scott was experiencing any emotional trauma as a result of the Chicago student’s reportedly brutal death, speculating is circulating on Monday that it may have contributed to his actions. Source
