The Long Road to Justice: The Unsolved Disappearance and Murder of Christy Wesselman

In the quiet town of Glen Ellen, Illinois, a seemingly ordinary day in the summer of 1985 turned into a nightmare that would haunt a family and community for decades. Christy Wesselman, a bright and beloved 15-year-old girl, left her home for a quick trip to a nearby store but never returned. What followed was a painstaking investigation filled with strange clues, dead ends, and heartbreak, until the truth finally emerged in a way no one expected.

Early Life and the Day of Disappearance

Christy Wesselman was born on April 19, 1970, in Glen Ellen, a small town known for its safety and close-knit community. She lived with her mother, two older brothers, and a sister. Christy was an active and popular student, well-liked by her peers and involved in school activities. She was elected vice president of her class and played volleyball and softball, embodying the spirit of a typical American teenager.

On July 21, 1985, Christy was attending summer classes and spending her free time with friends. Around 3:30 p.m., she returned home from school and decided to walk to a local store just a few minutes away to buy a soda and a chocolate bar for herself and her mother. Her mother expected her back within minutes, given the store’s proximity.

However, as time passed and Christy did not return, concern grew. Without cell phones or instant communication, her mother initially thought Christy might have run into friends and lost track of time. But as evening fell, worry turned to fear. Calls to Christy’s friends revealed that none had seen her that day. Desperate, her mother searched the neighborhood and the store but found no sign of her daughter.

The Beginning of the Investigation

By 1:50 a.m., with no trace of Christy, her mother contacted the police. Officers quickly mobilized, piecing together Christy’s last known movements. They spoke with the store clerk, a man who knew Christy well and had even babysat her when she was younger. He confirmed that Christy had visited the store around 4:00 p.m., purchased chocolate bars, and left appearing happy and normal. Other witnesses saw her at the store but could not say where she went afterward.

Police interviewed Christy’s friends, considering the possibility she had lost track of time while with them, but none had seen her that day. The search intensified, with officers combing the streets and nearby areas, but by the middle of the night, no clues or leads had emerged.

Discovery of the Body

The following day, a new team of officers took over the investigation. One detective suggested retracing Christy’s likely route to the store, hypothesizing she had taken a shortcut through a nearby vacant field with tall grass. This shortcut was commonly used by local kids to reach the store or the nearby McDonald’s.

As the detective followed the narrow path worn into the grass, something unusual caught his eye. Pushing through the overgrowth, he discovered a human body. It was Christy. He immediately called for backup, and the body was handed over to medical examiners.

Crime Scene and Forensic Analysis

Forensic specialists combed the area for evidence but found nothing—no footprints, no personal belongings, no clues to explain what had happened. Medical examiners determined that Christy had died from eight stab wounds and found evidence of sexual assault. Biological material from the perpetrator was collected, but in 1985, DNA testing was in its infancy and not commonly used in criminal investigations. The sample was stored for future analysis.

Christy’s mother provided another important detail: Christy had been wearing a pearl ring that day, but it was missing from her body and the crime scene. Detectives concluded the killer might have taken it and instructed officers to monitor pawn shops for its possible sale.

The Baffling Lack of Witnesses

Despite the body being found just yards off the path, no witnesses reported seeing or hearing anything suspicious. A family hosting a barbecue nearby and a gas station employee working close to the field both recalled nothing unusual. The situation was perplexing—so many people had been near the crime scene, yet no one noticed anything.

Investigators theorized the attacker either followed Christy from the store or encountered her on the path, leading her quietly into the tall grass and killing her without a sound. Given the small-town setting, it was suspected Christy might have known her killer, explaining the absence of screams.

Early Suspects and Dead Ends

Police investigated all men who knew Christy and compiled a list of local men with prior violent convictions. Several suspects were reviewed, but none could be tied to the murder. For months, the investigation made little progress, with every lead ending in a dead end.

The DNA Breakthrough and Wrongful Suspect

In 1988, DNA analysis became a key tool in criminal investigations. Detectives collected DNA samples from all potential suspects. Many cooperated, and none matched the biological evidence—except one man, Dana Henry, who refused to provide a sample.

Henry, a 34-year-old living near the field, had been on police radar from the start. He denied involvement, but his refusal raised suspicion. Police sought a court order to obtain his DNA. Henry was charged with contempt of court and jailed for several days before reluctantly providing a sample. His DNA did not match the killer’s, and he was released.

Henry’s ordeal was devastating. He spent around $50,000 on legal fees, mortgaged his home, lost friends and family support, and filed a lawsuit against the police department. Despite being cleared, some still believed he was guilty. Years later, Henry admitted the experience ruined his life, and no apology or accountability came from the police.

The Case Goes Cold and Later Revived

The case remained unsolved until 1989, when a local man named Willis began bombarding Christy’s family with unsubstantiated tips about the killer’s identity. After nearly four years of harassment, the family obtained a restraining order against him. Police investigated Willis but found no evidence linking him to the crime.

In 2000, the killer’s DNA was uploaded to the FBI database, but no matches were found. The case went cold for decades, with occasional follow-ups but no breakthroughs. Original detectives retired or moved on, and the case was assigned to a new team.

The Arrest of Michael Jones

In 2015, a notification from the FBI database changed everything. The DNA from Christy’s killer matched a profile recently uploaded: Michael Jones, a 62-year-old man from Champaign, Illinois, about 150 miles from Christy’s hometown.

Jones’s DNA was added after a domestic violence arrest. His criminal history was extensive, including assaults in the 1970s, early prison time, and restraining orders for threatening behavior. Despite this, he had never been connected to Christy’s case.

Jones had a history of violent behavior, including assaulting women and family members. He was known for long solo motorcycle trips, often passing near Christy’s town, possibly explaining why he escaped suspicion.

Confirmation and Charges

Police obtained a fresh DNA sample from Jones in prison, confirming he was Christy’s killer. They informed Christy’s mother, bringing closure after decades of uncertainty.

Before charging Jones, detectives interviewed his ex-girlfriend, who described him as volatile and obsessed with crime shows, suggesting he might be responsible for other unsolved crimes.

Jones was charged in September 2015 but denied involvement. The trial began in 2018. Facing overwhelming DNA evidence, Jones pled guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence. He was sentenced to 80 years in prison, with parole eligibility no earlier than 2095.

Aftermath and Reflections

Christy’s family expressed relief but lamented Jones’s early release from prison in 1983, which allowed him to commit the murder. Dana Henry attended the trial, sharing how the wrongful accusations destroyed his life. Despite the pain, he hoped justice would help him heal, though no apology came from the police.

Conclusion

The tragic story of Christy Wesselman highlights the challenges of cold cases, the evolution of forensic science, and the enduring quest for justice. After more than 30 years, the truth finally emerged, bringing closure to a family and community forever changed.

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