Overview
- The 15-year-old was arrested after police found a body in a roadway and was charged Thursday with first-degree murder; prosecutors have filed to seek adult prosecution and the suspect remains in custody.
- The victim was identified by the coroner as John Wesley Allen Sr., 78, who died of multiple stab wounds after being attacked while waiting at a bus stop.
- Less than an hour before the body was found, doorbell footage showed a person in a clown costume leaning toward a camera and whispering that phrase many quoted as “I’ve been looking for you,” and investigators say that video has circulated widely.
- Neighbors told reporters the teenager was seen going door-to-door carrying a large knife and peering into windows, and state police located and detained the juvenile without incident at a nearby home while saying the attack appeared random and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
- Investigators are collecting all relevant surveillance and witness information, urging anyone with footage to call Illinois State Police at 618-806-7611, and court proceedings including a possible transfer hearing to adult court are expected next as authorities seek motive and fuller evidence.