She Went to a Store and Vanished. It Took 30 Years to Learn the Unexpected Truth

In a small town in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the disappearance of a local girl turned into one of the most terrifying mysteries that haunted a community for decades. On July 21, 1985, 15-year-old Christy Wesselman set out to buy a soda and chocolate bar from a nearby store, shortly after returning home from summer classes. Little did anyone know that this seemingly mundane trip would lead to a search for answers that would stretch over three decades.

The Disappearance

fter Christy left home that afternoon, her mother expected her back in a matter of minutes. When she didn’t return as anticipated, a growing sense of dread settled in. It was the pre-cellphone era, making communication nearly impossible, so her mother ventured out to look for her. Hours later, the family’s worst fears became a grim reality when they reported Christy missing to the police.

The initial investigation focused on Christy’s last known movements. She had been seen at the store around 4:00 PM, where the clerk noted that she seemed happy. As night fell, a more extensive search kicked off, but despite their efforts, no sign of her was found. It wasn't until the early hours of the following morning that the search took a tragic turn.

Discovery of the Body

After several hours of searching, officers made a stunning discovery in a nearby field. Not far off the beaten path, Christy’s body was found, concealed by tall grass. The cause of death was determined to be eight stab wounds, and further examination suggested the possibility of sexual assault. Unfortunately, forensic capabilities were limited in 1985, with DNA testing at the initial stages of development.

Christy had been wearing a pearl ring that day, but it was missing, leading investigators to believe the killer might have taken it. Despite interviewing numerous people who had been in the area, no one had seen or heard anything that could lead investigators to Christy's killer. The case quickly grew cold.

Years of Stalemate

The investigation continued with little progress for years. As days turned into months, and months into years, Christy's family endured the pain of not knowing who was responsible for their daughter's murder. In an effort to reopen the case, DNA samples were eventually collected from several individuals suspected of being involved, yet no matches were found. One name consistently surfaced during the investigation was Dana Henry, a man living near the field who refused to cooperate with DNA testing. This refusal put him under suspicion, straining his personal life and leading to costly legal battles, even though he was never formally charged.

As time passed, a series of strange tips from a man named Willis began to flood Christy's family, but these leads turned out to be irrelevant. The case turned into a chilling cold case, with few leads and a fading hope of resolution.

A Breakthrough After Decades

It wasn't until 2015 that a significant breakthrough occurred. Investigators were working on cold cases when a DNA match was found linking Christy’s murder to a man named Michael Jones, a 62-year-old with a criminal history who lived about 150 miles from Glen Ellyn. His DNA had been stored in the database due to prior arrests, and a match to the evidence collected from Christy’s body gave the detectives the lead they had hoped for.

Once in custody, investigators learned that Jones had a history of violent offenses against women. He had avoided significant penalties for past crimes and was out on parole after serving just a fraction of his sentence. Even more troubling was that he had been released just two years prior to Christy's murder.

The Trial and Aftermath

With newfound evidence, Michael Jones was charged with Christy Wesselman’s murder. Throughout the legal proceedings, he maintained his innocence, but the weight of the DNA evidence against him was undeniable. In an unexpected turn, Jones ultimately accepted a plea deal, receiving an 80-year sentence without the possibility of parole until 2095.

For Christy’s family, the resolution brought some closure but also renewed heartache regarding the years lost and the pain caused by the initial investigations. Dana Henry, the man who had once been wrongfully suspected, attended the trial, haunted by the accusations and the life that had been irrevocably altered by the incident.

Reflection

Christy’s case is a poignant reminder of the reality of cold cases and the long-lasting impact of violent crimes—not just on victims but on entire communities. It raises essential questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement practices, the necessity for advancements in forensic science, and how justice can sometimes remain elusive for far too long.

As we reflect on this tragic story, we are reminded of the young life lost and the families forever changed by violence. It's a tale that leaves one pondering the complexities of justice within our systems and the ongoing battle against crime.

Let this serve as a call to remember Christy Wesselman—not just as a victim, but as a cherished daughter, sister, and friend whose story resonates through time.