A 15-year-old boy dressed as a clown has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 76-year-old man in East St. Louis, Illinois. John Wesley Allen Senior was found lying outside his home with multiple stab wounds, and a coroner ruled his death a homicide. The suspect was taken into custody by Illinois State Police on Tuesday afternoon.
Chilling doorbell message
Doorbell footage posted on social media shows the suspect outside the victim's home about an hour before police were called. In the video, he reportedly whispers, "I've been looking for you." Earlier that day, witnesses had spotted the teenager in the area dressed as a clown.
Resident recalls frightening encounter
Lee Palmer told First Alert 4 that his mother, who lives nearby, was home alone when the clown appeared on her front porch. The person lingered for several minutes before leaving. Palmer said, "I couldn't believe it. He was dressed in a clown outfit. That was kind of spooky for her." He added that he feared the clown might "kill everyone in the house."
Police seek more footage
Investigators are appealing for witnesses and anyone with relevant doorbell footage. The force stated, "Video footage of the suspect dressed in a clown costume has been circulating, and ISP is currently working to collect all relevant video."
