Teen's Killer, Rapist Sentenced To 80 Years For 1985 Murder

GLEN ELLYN, IL — More than three decades after 15-year-old Kristy Wesselman's death, the man who raped and murdered her has finally been sentenced. As part of a plea deal, Judge George Bakalis sentenced Michael Jones, 64, of Champaign to 80 years in prison.

Considering Jones's age, Bakalis called the time "essentially a life sentance," Daily Herald reports. Jones will be more than 100 years old before he is eligible for parole.

Wesselman, who would be nearly 50 now, was found murdered in unincorporated Glen Ellyn on her way home from buying a candy bar and a soda at a nearby grocery store. She had been stabbed multiple times and raped before she was left partially clothed with her half-eaten candy bar a few feet away.

For years, the case had gone cold until Jones was arrested in 2015 for another crime and his DNA matched that taken from the Wesselman crime scene. Jones has been in DuPage County Jail since that time.

Wesselman's murderer had previously been charged with violence and rape against women and minors, including choking and raping an 18-year-old in 1976, sexually assaulting a younger family member, and assaulting a seventh-grade girl as she slept.

After today's sentencing, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "Since 1985, this case has been a black cloud over the people of DuPage County. Today, that cloud has finally been lifted by the forces of justice. Tonight, the Wesselman family, the community of Glen Ellyn, and all the people of DuPage County can sleep easier, because today, after 32 years of heartache, disappointment, angst and fear, there is finally justice."

>>Image via DuPage County Sheriff's Office