Watch CBS News

Update On Family In Shack: Mom Prepares For Cancer Fight, Jailed Son Has Court Date

(CBS) – CBS 2's Brad Edwards goes inside the Cook County Jail to meet a man whose mom made headlines.

That mom is Shirley Bennett, who was living in a shack by the jail. She was recently reunited with her family after a CBS 2 report about her plight.

Now, we know the reason she waited at that shack.

Jimmy Bennett squatted there once, too with his mother, Shirley, and sibling, Timothy.

Shirley says he was arrested trying to protect her when Chicago police tried to remove the family. Jimmy Bennett been in jail since that October arrest and says he'd like to get out.

Jail Director Cara Smith dispatched help to the shack after seeing Edwards' original story. The report ended up reuniting Shirley with her daughter after a 25-year split.

It would lead to mother getting needed medical attention. Monday, a biopsy confirmed that she has aggressive cancer that has spread.

Her daughter says Shirley will undergo surgery soon followed by chemo and radiation.

As for Jimmy Bennett, he has a court date next week.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.