In re Mercado

OPINION

Frederick, J.

Claimant, Carmen I. Mercado, filed her application for benefits under the Crime Victims Compensation Act (740 ILCS 45/1 et seq.), hereinafter referred to as the “Act,” on February 16, 1994. On March 1, 1995, the Court, relying upon the investigatory report of the Attorney General, denied compensation to the Claimant. The investigation found that Claimants decedent had a quantity of illegal drugs and a fully-loaded handgun in his possession at the time of his death. Based on those facts, the Court found that the Claimants decedent contributed to his own death to such an…