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Prosecutors Push Adult Trial for Clown-Costumed Teen Murderer

8/7/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Prosecutors seek an adult trial for a 15-year-old Illinois teen charged with murder.
Police arrested the teen Monday night at a home after the bus-stop stabbing in East St. Louis that killed 78-year-old veteran John Wesley Allen.
Video shows the suspect in a clown outfit saying, “I have a gift for you,” while holding a knife.
Assistant State’s Attorney Derek Smith filed the murder charge, keeping the teen in custody Thursday.

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Story summary

Prosecutors seek an adult trial for a 15-year-old Illinois teen charged with murder.
Police arrested the teen Monday night at a home after the bus-stop stabbing in East St. Louis that killed 78-year-old veteran John Wesley Allen.
Video shows the suspect in a clown outfit saying, “I have a gift for you,” while holding a knife.
Assistant State’s Attorney Derek Smith filed the murder charge, keeping the teen in custody Thursday.