JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — A Minnesota man charged in the stabbing death of a 15-year-old suburban Chicago girl more than half a century ago has died, authorities said.
Barry Lee Whelpley, 79, was found unresponsive early Friday in his cell at the Will County Jail in Joliet.
He was transported to a Joliet hospital where he was pronounced dead, Deputy Chief Dan Jungles of the Will County Sheriff’s Office said.
Whelpley was arrested in 2021 and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault in the 1972 death of Julie Ann Hanson of Naperville.
DNA evidence linked him to the case.
Persons:
Barry Lee Whelpley, Dan, Whelpley, Julie Ann Hanson, Hanson
Organizations:
Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Naperville High School
Locations:
JOLIET, Ill, Minnesota, Chicago, Will, Joliet, Arlington Heights, Naperville