Wayside Cross Needs 'More Time' To Address Kokoraleis Concerns

AURORA, IL -- Aurora officials met with the Wayside Cross Board of Directors Thursday night in the hopes of coming up with a "mutually beneficial" agreement regarding its decision to house recently released Ripper Crew murderer Thomas Kokoraleis. After the meeting and what Wayside Cross officials called "several hours of deliberation and prayer," its board of directors has decided that it needs "more time."

In a statement released on its website, Wayside Cross Executive Director James Lukose wrote that Mayor Richard Irvin and city officials discussed the "myriad of issues" surrounding the ministry's decision to take in Kokoraleis. Kokoraleis was released from prison on March 29 after serving more than 35 years in prison the 1982 murder of 21-year-old Lorry Borowski, of Elmhurst.

During his time at Wayside Cross Ministries, Kokoraleis is taking part in the ministry's "Master's Touch Program," which helps offenders to assimilate into society.

"[W]e need more time to arrive at a solution that will be both true to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ in accomplishing our Mission and Core Values," Lukose wrote, "while also easing the safety concerns of our neighbors in the Aurora community."

Lukose added that he is hoping to work with Aurora officials to find a compromise that is beneficial to all involved.

Community members had planned a protest at Wayside Cross Ministries Friday morning, to be followed by a march to City Hall.