Barry Lee Whelpley: Minnesota man charged in teen’s 1972 rape-murder found dead in Illinois cell

JOLIET, ILLINOIS: In a grim turn of events, Barry Lee Whelpley, the 79-year-old Minnesota man charged in the brutal 1972 stabbing death of 15-year-old Julie Ann Hanson, was found lifeless in his cell at the Will County Jail in Joliet, Illinois.

Deputy Chief Dan Jungles of the Will County Sheriff’s Office reported that Whelpley was discovered unresponsive early Friday, February 9.

The suspect was subsequently transported to a Joliet hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have indicated that they do not suspect foul play, and an autopsy is scheduled to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death.

What were charges against Barry Lee Whelpley?

The case against Whelpley unfolded in 2021 when he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault in connection with the death of 15-year-old Julie Hanson.

What happened to Julie Ann Hanson?

The teenager went missing on July 7, 1972, while en route to her brother’s baseball game. Her lifeless body, bearing 36 stab wounds, was tragically discovered the following day in a nearby field, as per AP.

For almost five decades, the heinous crime remained unsolved, haunting the community with a sense of unresolved grief.

What led to Barry Lee Whelpley's arrest?

However, a breakthrough finally emerged through advancements in DNA and genetic genealogy analysis, leading investigators to Whelpley.

The 1964 graduate of Naperville High School lived merely a mile from Hanson's residence at the time of her murder, creating a chilling proximity between perpetrator and victim.

Young Ra'Niya Steward struck by stray bullet

In another distressing development, a 13-year-old girl named Ra'Niya Steward is currently battling for her life after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head in Alton. Since Saturday, February 3, Ra'Niya has remained in critical condition in the hospital. The incident unfolded in the ward of Alderwoman Rosie Brown, as reported by MEAWW.

Charges of first-degree attempted murder have been filed against two 19-year-olds, Alvin Perry III and Raysean Colvin, by the Madison County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. According to reports, the victim was shot while standing on the porch of a residence on Highland Avenue.