Senate designates "Ryan Harris: Hope for Children Week" in honor of fallen student

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate came together to pass legislation establishing "Ryan Harris: Hope for Children Week" from July 26th to August 1st to raise awareness of youth violence.

The resolution, sponsored by State Sen. Jacqueline Collins, was named in honor of slain student Ryan Harris, an 11 year-old, who was sexually assaulted and killed by Floyd Durr in the summer of 1998. Originally, the Chicago Police Department charged two boys, ages 7 and 8, with the crimes. In April of 1999, Durr pled guilty to the rape and murder of 11 year-old Ryan Harris. Durr is currently serving a life sentence plus 30 years for his crimes against Harris and 125 years for the other sexual assault convictions.