A chilling mystery that haunted Glen Ellyn, Illinois, for nearly three decades has finally found resolution. The tragic tale of Kristy Wesselman, a vibrant 15-year-old girl who vanished on a summer day in July 1985, has reached a dramatic conclusion with the arrest of her alleged killer, Michael R. Jones.
On July 21, 1985, Kristy left her home for a routine trip to the local grocery store, never to return. The following day, her lifeless body was discovered in a wooded area just a stone’s throw from her home, marking the beginning of a heart-wrenching saga that would grip the community for years. Kristy had been brutally raped and murdered, a crime that shattered the peace of this once-safe suburb.
Despite an intense investigation that followed her death, which included countless interviews and forensic evidence collection, the case went cold. The community mourned, and Kristy’s family, led by her relentless mother, Sandy Wesselman, never gave up hope for justice. For decades, Kristy’s name served as a haunting reminder of the tragedy that struck their lives.
In 2015, advances in DNA technology breathed new life into the investigation. Biological samples collected from the crime scene were re-examined, leading to a critical breakthrough: a DNA profile was developed that matched no one in existing databases. The wait continued, but the Wesselmans remained vigilant, advocating for justice and keeping Kristy’s memory alive.
Finally, in 2015, a breakthrough emerged when Michael R. Jones, a 62-year-old man with a history of violence, was arrested after a DNA match linked him to Kristy’s murder. Jones had been living in relative anonymity, but his past caught up with him when his DNA was entered into the national database following a separate arrest. The match was undeniable, and the community was rocked by the news.
Jones was charged with two counts of murder and one count of aggravated criminal assault. His arrest reopened old wounds for Kristy’s family, but it also offered a glimmer of hope after years of anguish. In 2016, he pleaded guilty, admitting to the horrific crime that had stolen Kristy’s life. During the sentencing, Sandy Wesselman delivered a powerful statement, reminding the court and the community of the vibrant life that was lost.
Michael Jones was sentenced to 80 years in prison, a bittersweet victory for a family that had waited so long for justice. While no punishment could bring Kristy back, her story has now shifted from one of tragedy to one of resilience and hope. The Wesselman family’s relentless pursuit of justice and the advances in forensic science have ensured that Kristy’s legacy will not be forgotten.
As the community begins to heal, Kristy Wesselman’s name will forever be associated with the fight for justice and the importance of never giving up. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that while time may pass, the truth can still prevail, and justice, however delayed, is worth pursuing.