FOIA Request: Any surviving documents related to the investigation of the music video for the song 'Down In It' by rock band Nine Inch Nails and frontman Trent Reznor (Chicago Police Department)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act., I hereby request the following records:

Any surviving documents related to the investigation of the music video for the song 'Down In It' by rock band Nine Inch Nails and frontman Trent Reznor. This should include any reports, notes, memos, photos, press releases, interviews, recordings and video files if already converted to a digital format.

The investigation spanned from sometime in 1989 until 1990. It was reported that the video at the heart of the investigation was found in September of 1989 in a corn field near Burr Oak, Michigan. Existing media reports place the conclusion of the investigation sometime in early September of 1990. The relevant timeframe for the search should stretch from the September 1, 1989 to September 30, 1990.

Officer Paul Wood (retired) of the Michigan State Police was involved in the investigation.

Chicago Police Detective Hal Ardell was also involved in the investigation. One report shows that the Chicago Police joined the investigation sometime in June of 1990.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office rendered an opinion in this case.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Shawn Breen

Thanks very much. If you could just search any surviving records pertaining to CPD Officer Hal Ardell between June 1990 and September 1990 for any documents related to Trent Reznor or Nine Inch Nails. If this description is not narrow enough, if you could provide a telephone number where I can reach you I may be able to further clarify and tailor this request more narrowly.

Thanks very much,
Shawn Breen