High school freshman stabbed to death in home invasion

A man is being questioned by police in connection to the fatal stabbing

RONAN O'KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, October 29, 2011, 10:09 AM

Updated Saturday, October 29, 2011, 10:11 AM

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Fourteen-year-old Kelli O'Laughlin was murdered during an apparent home invasion.

A 14-year-old girl was found stabbed to death after what police believe to be a home invasion.

Kelli O’Laughlin was discovered by her mother at their suburban Chicago home on Thursday afternoon with multiple stab wounds.

The high school freshman was rushed to the nearby Adventist LaGrange Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Few details were released about the incident, but police believe that the teen walked in on a burglary in progress between 4:45pm and 5:30pm.

“We believe there was a burglary going on in the home,” Indian Head Park Police Chief Frank Alonzo said. “They confronted her, and, sadly, they killed her.”

Police are questioning a man in connection with the fatal stabbing, but so far no charges have been filed.

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When asked about the possible suspect, Alonzo would only say, “That’s under investigation.”

News of Kelli’s death has been met with shock by local residents.

“Our community has been shaken,” Indian Head Park Mayor, Richard Andrews, said. “It feels as if we’ve lost a family member.”

Similar reactions were posted online by friends and classmates of the popular schoolgirl, who created Facebook groups with titles such as ‘Kelli O'Laughlin~~~You Will Be Missed,’ and ‘R.I.P Kelli O'Laughlin. You will always be deeply in our hearts.’

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cillowen | Oct 30, 2011, 03:28 PM EDT

signs of the decay that will in due time hit the haves within their compounds.

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PhlutiePhan | Oct 30, 2011, 12:14 PM EDT

As someone responding from the Midwest, it is plain that very stable communities have been infiltrated via the schools. As good kids are given a chance at progress, gangs come in with them. Thugs become very familiar with the neighborhood, the good kids are intimidated, and crime begins to skyrocket. Unfortuntely, Catholic schools have become some of the worst examples. Because of abuse payouts, Catholic schools need an infusion of cash. Lots of money then comes from the U.S. Department of Education in the form of basic opportunity grants. That is also why the American Catholic Church has become reticent about the foibles of the present administration.

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