St. Clair County prosecutors seek to try 15-year-old suspect as adult
The charging of the teenager with first-degree murder on Thursday followed the discovery of Allen’s body on Monday in East St. Louis.
Illinois State Police said officers quickly identified a suspect after the killing and arrested the 15-year-old boy at a residence. The teenager, whose name has not been released because of his age, has remained in jail since his arrest.
Illinois State Police did not disclose a possible motive for the attack. The agency said the stabbing was random and said the suspect was dressed in a clown costume at the time. The agency said video footage showed the suspect in the costume during the attack.
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office said it wants to try the 15-year-old as an adult.
Allen, 78, lived in Jennings, Missouri, also in the St. Louis area. Police have not described any connection between Allen and the suspect.