Full Breakdown
Teen Charged with Murder After Stabbing of 78-Year-Old Near East St. Louis Bus Stop
8/7/2026, 8:30:20 AM
Fatal Stabbing and Charges
A 78-year-old man, John Allen Sr. of Jennings, Missouri, was found dead after being stabbed near a bus stop at 76th and State streets in East St. Louis on Monday night. Illinois State Police identified the suspect as a 15-year-old who was wearing a clown outfit at the time of the attack. The teenager was arrested on Monday and, on Thursday, was formally charged with a count of first-degree murder. The filing by St. Prosecutors have asked the court to transfer the case so the teen can be tried as an adult.
Law-Enforcement Findings and Prosecutorial Request
Illinois State Police reported that video showing a person in a clown costume is circulating and that they are seeking all related footage. Doorbell-camera video obtained by NBC affiliate KSDK captured a partially covered face and the words “I have a gift for you.” Neighbors told the station they observed a person going door-to-door with a large knife on Monday night. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office reiterated the request for adult prosecution, arguing that the seriousness of the crime warrants the higher court.
Family Response
John Allen’s sister, Marie Stanford, described him as “just a good person” and emphasized his role as a devoted father, brother, uncle and Navy veteran who regularly traveled by bus to visit relatives. She also noted that the family wants the public to remember Allen for his life rather than the shocking video. Tenia Stanford, Allen’s niece, expressed the lasting impact on the family, saying they must live with the loss for the rest of their lives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have a gift for you.” — Neighbors
- “He’s just a good person. That’s the reason I couldn’t possibly think nothing would happen to him,” — Marie Stanford
- “He always informed us where he was going to be so we could pick him up because we don’t like him riding on the bus late at night,” — Marie Stanford
- “My mom, my uncle and them, they have to live this for the rest of their life. Their baby brother is gone,” — Tenia Stanford
- “He was a loving man. He was a God-fearing man. We all loved him,” — Tenia Stanford
Next Steps
The court is expected to rule in the coming days on whether the case will be transferred to adult court. If the transfer is granted, the teenager will face trial as an adult on the first-degree murder charge.
