15-Year-Old Charged With Murder After Clown Costume Attack

A 15-year-old spotted in a doorbell camera video wearing a clown costume now faces a murder charge. According to reports, authorities have charged the teen in connection with the death of a 78-year-old man.

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Police Share Timeline Leading Up To 15-Year-Old’s Murder Charge

A 15-year-old accused of stabbing a 78-year-old man to death while wearing a clown costume is now facing a murder charge. According to NBC News, authorities identified John Wesley Allen as the victim on Monday, August 3, in East St. Louis. Police say Allen waited at a bus stop when the teen allegedly approached him and stabbed him in what investigators described as a random attack. Authorities responded around 10 p.m. on Monday night after receiving a report of a body in the roadway and found Allen at the scene. Officers later located the 15-year-old at a residence and arrested him that same night.

Doorbell Camera Footage Previously Showed Alleged Teen Wearing Clown Costume

Doorbell camera footage captured the alleged teen accused of killing 78-year-old John Wesley Allen. The now-viral clip shows the teen approaching a home’s doorbell camera and allegedly saying, “I have a gift for you.” Neighbors in the area also told police they saw the person walking around the area with a large knife while going door to door. At this time, authorities have not released the 15-year-old’s name or identity.

What’s Next For The Teen?

According to a court filing, St. Clair Count Assistant State’s Attorney Derek Smith said he believes the 15-year-old acted with “the intent to do kill or do great bodily harm” to John Wesley Allen, who authorities say the teen stabbed with a knife. State police also said the teen faces a first-degree murder charge and prosecutors reportedly want to try them as an adult. The teen currently remains in custody, and officials have not revealed whether they have aa defense attorney representing them at this time.

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