A 2002 law, that requires Illinois felons to submit DNA samples, may have helped identify a suspect in a murder that happened in 1985.
Michael Jones, 62, of Champaign, pleaded guilty in July 2015 to felony aggravated domestic battery in Champaign County. As part of his conviction, Jones submitted a DNA sample as required by Illinois law.
Now, police say Jones' DNA matches samples collected when the body of 15-year-old Kristina Wesselman was found in a field in unincorporated Glen Ellyn, Illinois on July 21, 1985, according to WGN. Kristina Wesselman had been stabbed and sexually assaulted; she was last seen walking home from the grocery store, the day before her body was found.
Jones was arrested Sunday, September 20, 2015. Jones faced several charges in connection with Kristina Wesselman's death.
"The defendant has been charged with murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault. He's also been charged with felony murder, murder committed during the course of aggravated criminal sexual assault. Based on those charges the defendant is eligible, if found guilty, to receive a sentence of natural life imprisonment without parole," said DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin.
“Shock and awe. We’ve been waiting for news like this for 30 years and it finally came,” said Kristina's brother, Bill Wesselman. "Seeing him in the courtroom today-- it was nice to finally have someone of interest."
Jones has denied the allegations. He was held without bond in the DuPage County Jail.
