Man allegedly killed elderly relative with ‘samurai knife’

Bail was denied Sunday for a 20-yearold man who allegedly stabbed an elderly family member dozens of times using a “samurai knife,” leaving her dead inside her Bellwood home before making off with a phone and envelopes of cash.

Isaiah Jones was charged with firstdegree murder in Thursday’s brutal slaying of 76-year-old Jearlean Willingham, according to authorities. During Jones’ initial court hearing Sunday, Assistant State’s Attorney Christina Darcopoulos described Willingham as his “step-greatgrandmother” and said he spent much of his life living with her.

After attending Bible study on Wednesday, Willingham returned to her home in the 3800 block of Van Buren Street, where Jones was apparently staying, according to Darcopoulos and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Then early Thursday, Darcopoulos said Jones took what he later described as a “samurai knife” and repeatedly struck Willingham. She suffered at least 35 stab wounds.

Jones fled the home after grabbing Willingham’s phone and bank envelopes filled with cash, Darcopoulos said. As he was leaving, Jones was caught on a home security camera wearing distinctive red shoes and a red bag. Willingham’s daughter later found her covered in blood on a bedroom floor, Darcopoulos said.

After an alert was issued, Jones was still wearing the same clothing when located nearby about five hours later. Darcopoulos said that during a brief pursuit, Jones appeared to reach for a gun. When in custody, Jones was found with disassembled pieces of a handgun, as well as a knife, loose currency and bank envelopes containing $525.

Jones admitted to killing Willingham and acknowledged that blood on his body belonged to her, Darcopoulos said. He also told investigators he got rid of the knife used in the slaying, which hasn’t been found.

Greg LaPapa, Jones’ attorney, described his client as a lifelong Illinois resident who works at a Ross clothing store and is trying to obtain his GED.

Judge Susana Ortiz then denied bail, citing the evidence and the “viciousness” of the crime.