John Wesley Allen stabbing: Family says he was likely visiting his sister
Family members say the 78-year-old was likely headed to see his sister when he was killed near an East St. Louis bus stop.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
The John Wesley Allen stabbing unfolded near an East St. Louis bus stop that the 78-year-old retired driver often used to make unannounced visits to his sister, his family says. Illinois State Police have described Allen’s death as a random attack, and a 15-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder.
Allen was found dead Monday night in East St. Louis, Illinois, according to NBC News. Police said the accused teen was wearing a clown costume. The charge remains an allegation, and it was not clear Friday whether the teen had a lawyer.
Why was John Wesley Allen near the bus stop?
His relatives believe Allen was probably headed to see one of his sisters. The stop was close to Delores Fowler’s home, and she told NBC News that Allen regularly called without making plans in advance to ask if she was home. She would then pick him up at a MetroLink station or bus stop.
A more specific account from Allen’s sister Marie Stanford, reported by KSDK, was that he had gone to a VA hospital for testing on Monday and planned to visit his sister in East St. Louis afterward. That was the family’s understanding of his plans, rather than a conclusion announced by investigators.
There has also been an early mix-up over where Allen was in his trip. Illinois State Police said he was waiting for a bus when he was attacked, KSDK reported. Family members had initially believed he had just stepped off a bus.
What have police said about the case?
Authorities said Allen and the teenager had no known previous connection, NBC News reported. State police characterized the attack as random. The teenager was arrested at a nearby home, according to Sky News.
The teen was charged Thursday and remained detained after appearing in juvenile court, Sky News reported. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office is seeking to have him prosecuted as an adult. No motive has been reported in the material available.
Allen was a retired St. Louis-area bus driver. Metro Transit and his family said he drove for the agency from 1977 until retiring in 1994. His relatives also described him as a Navy veteran and a frequent visitor to his sisters.
NBC News reported that Allen’s loved ones worried about him traveling alone on public transit, while also saying he enjoyed getting out. His niece, Tenia Stanford, said he enjoyed spending time with his sister.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.