Disturbing News

dave · 08-21-2003

I've just recieved word on two murders. Apparently, a woman and her grandchild were killed in their home on County Road 44. The suspect(s) are still at large. According to sources, there were signs of a struggle at the residence. We'll post more as we hear.

stickman · 08-21-2003

I have basically the same info Dave has. The identities of the victims have not been released as of yet. TEMS Ambulance was summoned to the scene but Chief Deputy Reese met them at the door and told the ambulance crew there was nothing for them to do. ABI Crime Scene Unit was seen leaving County Road 44 about 3:30pm this afternoon. Marengo County Sheriff's Department with assistance from ABI are investigating.

Regardless of the reason, it is tragic and senseless that someone felt they had to kill a woman and a child.

My sympathies and condolences to the family.

Stickman

Stickman

dave · 08-21-2003

What I can add at this point:

The child was 3 years of age. According to reports, the feeling is the suspect(s) new the victims since there was no sign of forced entry. This happened around 4 a.m., so it's possible the door was left unlocked. The grandmother was reportedly beaten to death with some sort of object. The child's mother is currently stationed in or near Kuwait in the military. There were reportedly 2 other children in the house at the time and were able to escape to a neighbor's house.

From what I understand, the mother in this case won't be tld of what happened until they get her back home, which I assume is asap. I've known the mother for a few years, and my heartfelt sympathies go to her and her family.

Roxanne · 08-22-2003

I know some of the family. This is the most horrible thing to happen in a long time. My prayers are with these precious people. I cannot imagine the evil in anyone who could murder a three year old baby and her grandmother.

stickman · 08-22-2003

Someone called me earlier today with a -RUMOR- that the woman's ex-husband had been arrested and charged with this crime. -RUMOR-

-FACT- I checked with a local law enforcement officer earlier this afternoon for verification. I was told that Marengo County Sheriff's Department had a male subject they were interviewing, but no arrest had been made nor had charges been filed at that time.

Stickman

stickman · 08-23-2003

This story made ABC 33/40's 10pm newscast tonight. The woman was identified as Ida Little. I didn't hear the child's name mentioned, but the newscast identified the child's mother as Wanda Little. Newscast said she is serving in the Air National Guard and is now on her way back to the states. The newscast went on to say both were beaten severely in the head. It also mentioned two other children were living in the home at the time, but neither of them were injured. As of yet, no one has been arrested and charged with these crimes.

Stickman