UPDATE: 7:06 p.m., December 9, 2020
The suspect in a Williamson County murder case is scheduled to appear in court later this week.
Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti says 29-year old Julia Bevely will make her first court appearance on Friday, the same day as the for 11-year old Jade Beasley.
Zanotti said police arrested Bevely Wednesday, about an hour before holding a press conference to give an update on the investigation.
On Saturday, Zanotti said, Bevely made the initial 911 call Saturday with police and EMTs arriving within minutes. Zanotti says Bevely told police she saw an unidentified male running from the home as she arrived.
"[Bevely] said she left the residence with Jade alone in the home for a short time and returned home to find an unidentifed male fleeing," Zanotti said. "The investigation has proven this story to be false."
First responders found Beasley with multiple stab wounds before she died at the scene.
Bevely is facing three counts of First Degree Murder. Each count carries a penalty of 20 to 60 years in prison and a possible extended term of 120 years.
UPDATE: 2:43 p.m., December 9, 2020
Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti announced Julia Bevely has been arrested and charged in the death of 11-year-old Jade Marie Beasley.
Bevely is charged with three counts of First Degree Murder in the death. She is being held in the Williamson County Jail on $2 Million bond.
Zanotti said Bevely was home alone with the child at the time of the incident and performed the 911 call on Saturday.
An autopsy revealed Beasley suffered multiple stab wounds.
The case is still under investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, Williamson County State's Attorney and Illinois State Police.
ORIGINAL STORY
WILLIAMSON COUNTY (WSIL) -- The Williamson County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim in a December 5, 2020 homicide.
Authorities say Jade Marie Beasley, 11 of Marion, was found dead at a home on Songbird Road in Marion, Saturday.
A person of interest has been identified, but authorities say the person presents no threat of danger to the public.
Investigators have canvassed the area and is asking for the public's help identifying any security cameras that would have captured vehicle traffic on Saturday, December 5, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
If you have any information contact the Williamson County Sheriff's Office at 618-997-6541 ext. 1302.
This investigation is ongoing by the Williamson County Major Case Squad and the Illinois State Police.
No further information is being released at this time.
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