Kelli O'Laughlin

Why was 14-year-old girl's murder suspect out on parole? Kelli O'Laughlin's 'killer' had 20-year history of violent crime

• Chicago schoolgirl was stabbed at her home during botched burglary
• Suspect had string of previous convictions, including  armed robbery and battery

The man charged with stabbing a 14-year-old girl to death when she caught him burgling her home had a criminal record dating back 20 years.

John L. Wilson Jr would have violated his parole for an armed robbery conviction when he broke into the Chicago house of Kelli O'Laughlin, Cook County's State Attorney admitted. 

The 38-year-old, of South Lafayette in Chicago, had been out of prison for less than a year before he was charged with burgling the $500,000 property and with the horrific attack. 

He had been given an early release from an 11-year sentence he began serving in 2003.

State Attorney Anita Alvarez revealed the extent of his depraved criminal past during a press conference on Friday, and admitted that it warranted more jail time.

She said Wilson Jr, who has only spent three of the last 20 years outside of a prison, would now be eligible for the death penalty.

The suspect, who has only spent three of the last 20 years outside of a prison, was denied bail on Friday for Kelli's killing.

Ms Alvarez said he confronted the popular teenager when she returned to her family home in Indian Head Park from Lyons Township High School at 3.40pm.

He grabbed an eight-inch carving knife from a butcher's block and stabbed Kelli in the neck, back and chest, before dragging her dead body from the family room into the kitchen, Ms Alvarez added.

He then ransacked the home and fled with a bowl of coins, an iPod Touch and Kelli's phone, she said. The knife was found in large pool of blood and Kelli's body was discovered by her mother Brenda at around 5.30pm.

As if that were not enough, twisted Wilson Jr sent taunting messages to her mother from the dead girl's mobile phone in the hours after her death, Ms Alvarez revealed.
His history of violent crime shows he should have remained locked up rather being released to commit another appalling offense.

Quiet neighbourhood: Kelli's home in the leafy Chicago suburb of Indian Head Park

In 1991, Wilson Jr received five years in prison for unauthorised possession of a controlled substance and for receiving, possessing and selling a stolen vehicle.
Two years later, he was arrested for unauthorised possession of a controlled substance and aggravated vehicle hijacking and sentenced to a year in prison.

In 2001, Wilson was handed a two-year sentence for aggravated battery of a fireman, and two years after that, he was given 11 years for robbing a school or place of worship and unlawful vehicle invasion.

'Many of the charges involved violence,' said Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy.

Ms Alvarez said: 'Based on a background like this that he had, he would be looking at more jail time if in fact he was arrested just for [the O'Laughlin] burglary [alone].
'Particularly, if he's on parole, there's going to be a parole violation. That would be in addition to the charges.'

She said that Wilson Jr was given parole, despite his criminal history, because the laws of the state of Illinois say an offender is entitled to it.

She added: 'The last conviction that he obtained... The unlawful vehicular invasion is a charge where he doesn't have to do 80 per cent of his time, only 50 per cent of the time. So we received that sentence in 2003. He was eligible for parole.'

She said the murder charge would qualify for the the death penalty, and she believed that the State Attorney's office would have sought it.

Meanwhile, Wilson Jr's older brother told the Chicago Tribune his sibling has psychiatric problems and needs to be assessed.

Fond memories: The popular teenager was known for her sweet and happy nature and has been honoured with tributes and services

Tragic death: Kelli was attacked on returning home from school to her house in Indian Head Park

He reportedly said: 'I want justice because that’s really horrific... I’m so sorry for Kelli’s family. I’m so sorry. My God please have mercy on Kelli and on my little brother’s soul.'

Ms Alvarez added: 'Even the most experienced investigators and prosecutors have been brought to tears by the very facts of this case and the killing nature of this case. All of us who have children, who have teenagers, are haunted by the sickness of this crime and the total disregard for life displayed by this defendant.'

Investigators with the U.S. Secret Service were able to track Kelli's mobile and Wilson Jr's mobile, helping police to catch him.

Too young: Kelli, centre, was found by her mother Brenda in their home at about 5.30pm on Thursday

He was taken into custody on November 2, six days after the murder.

Members of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force said they followed up hundreds of leads.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said: 'A horrific crime was committed here, and then to have the mother of the victim being subjected to taunts from the person who did this... I, of course, can't describe that. I don't even know how you could put that into context.'

Sheriff Dart said that although they believe Wilson acted alone, police will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case.

The murder has shaken Indian Head Park, a leafy community of roughly 3,800, and thousands have left messages of tribute on internet groups. 


A memorial fund has been started and Kelli's father, John, said last week that family members have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they have received.

More than 500 friends, fellow students and members of the community came out for candlelight vigil at the school.

WILSON JR'S RECORD

• 1991: Unauthorised possession of a controlled substance and for receiving, having possession of and selling a stolen vehicle. Sentence: Five years in prison.
  
• 1993: Unauthorised possession of a controlled substance and aggravated vehicular hijacking. Sentence: One year in prison.
  
• 2001: Aggravated battery of a fireman. Sentence: Two years in prison.
  
• 2002: Robbing a school/place of worship and unlawful vehicular invasion. Sentence (in 2003): 11 years in prison.