"Pumpkins' ex-drummer pleads guilty"
(Thanks to Leigh Doran for typing this out)
Chicago Sun-Times – October 9, 1996
By New York Associated Press writer Samuel Maull
Former Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin pleaded guilty Tuesday to disorderly conduct charges stemming from a New York drug arrest that followed the heroin overdose of the band's keyboard player.
Chamberlin, tieless in a dark blue suit, his jet-black hair spiked, pleaded to the reduced charge before Criminal Court Judge Donna Recant as part of a deal in which he will undergo drug treatment. If Chamberlin successfully completes a rehabilitation program by December, his court records will be sealed. If he fails, he will serve 15 days in jail. He reportedly has been in drug rehab since his July arrest.
The 32-year-old Chicagoan was arrested July 12 and charged with misdemeanor drug possession after Jonathan Melvoin, 34, of Croan Ridge, Vt., died of a heroin overdose at the Regency Hotel. Chamberlin faced up to a year in jail if convicted on that charge.
Police said Chamberlin and Melvoin injected heroin shortly after arriving at the hotel late July 11. Melvoin collapsed around 3:30 a.m., and Chamberlin tried in vain to revive him before calling police.
The Smashing Pumpkins' other three members - singer Billy Corgan, bass player D'arcy and lead guitarist James Iha - were staying at another hotel four blocks away. They were in New York for a concert on July 14.
Eight days after Melvoin's death, the band released a statement saying it had "decided to sever our relationship with our friend and drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin."
After canceling several concerts, the band resumed touring in late August with a new drummer. It performed three sold-out shows at the Rosemont Horizon over the weekend.
A representative of the band said the Pumpkins would not comment on Chamberlin's plea.