Found Deceased IL - Jelani 'JJ' Day, 25, ISU grad student, missed class, Bloomington, 23 Aug 2021 #2

[BeckyF]

After lawyer calls for FBI involvement in Jelani Day case, La Salle County authorities say more info coming

After lawyer calls for FBI involvement in Jelani Day case, La Salle County authorities say more info coming
Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump calls for FBI intervention
By Jayce Eustice
December 03, 2021 at 2:55 pm CST
In response to civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump demanding the FBI take over the investigation into the death of Jelani Day, Peru Police Chief Robert Pyszka said Friday he anticipates being able to release more information on the investigation into the death of Jelani Day in the coming days.

However, Pyszka said out of respect for Day and his family, the Peru Police Department would not be making additional statementsFriday.

 

[Seattle1]

After lawyer calls for FBI involvement in Jelani Day case, La Salle County authorities say more info coming

12/3/21

Pyszka previously said the FBI has been contacted numerous times throughout the investigation. The FBI told the multi-jurisdictional unit the federal agency will assist in all matters but will not take over the lead of the case, Pyszka had previously said.

State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, the House Black Caucus chair; and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago, have called for either state or national agencies to get more involved. In Buckner’s case, he formally asked the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation take the lead in the investigation. Rush, on the other hand, wrote a letter urging U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray to launch an investigation.


Pyszka issued Friday’s statement in response to the news conference pertaining to the ongoing investigation surrounding the Day’s death.

Pyszka said the multi-jurisdictional team is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Day’s death from every investigative angle and authorities are working with federal and local law enforcement to ensure every lead is followed.

La Salle County Sheriff Adam Diss issued a similar statement Friday.


“We continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Jelani Day’s death from every investigative angle and are working hand-in-hand with our federal and local law enforcement partners to ensure that every lead is followed,” Diss said in a news release.

“Out of respect for Mr. Day and his family and a desire to protect the integrity of the investigation, we will not be making additional statements at this time. We do, however, anticipate releasing additional information as available in the coming days.”

The multi-jurisdictional investigative unit consists of members from the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office; Peru, La Salle and Bloomington police departments; Illinois State Police; La Salle County Coroner’s Office; and FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Day, who was reported missing Aug. 25, was identified through forensic dental identification and DNA testing and comparison. Day’s vehicle was found Aug. 26 concealed in a wooded area near the Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru. The La Salle County Coroner’s Office said Day’s cause of death was drowning with no signs of struggle, but Peru police have confirmed the investigation continues into how he may have drowned.


Day’s cellphone was found and was sent for forensic analysis, authorities confirmed Nov. 12.

 

[Seattle1]

After lawyer calls for FBI involvement in Jelani Day case, La Salle County authorities say more info coming

After lawyer calls for FBI involvement in Jelani Day case, La Salle County authorities say more info coming
Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump calls for FBI intervention
By Jayce Eustice
December 03, 2021 at 2:55 pm CST
In response to civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump demanding the FBI take over the investigation into the death of Jelani Day, Peru Police Chief Robert Pyszka said Friday he anticipates being able to release more information on the investigation into the death of Jelani Day in the coming days.

However, Pyszka said out of respect for Day and his family, the Peru Police Department would not be making additional statementsFriday.

Discovery of the Jelani's cell phone is new and I hope it provides for more disclosure of what was happening on 8/23 when Jelani reversed course and never communicated with his family again.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Discovery of the Jelani's cell phone is new and I hope it provides for more disclosure of what was happening on 8/23 when Jelani reversed course and never communicated with his family again.

I don’t remember that being disclosed either.
His mother probably paid for his cell phone bill so wonder if she knew his passwords or had access to his cloud.

 

[BeckyF]

I don’t remember that being disclosed either.
His mother probably paid for his cell phone bill so wonder if she knew his passwords or had access to his cloud.

I thought sure we had discussed his phone being found.
Authorities Have Jelani Day’s Cell Phone
A new development has occurred in the death of Illinois State University grad student Jelani Day of Danville.

Three months after Day’s disappearance, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office has said his phone has been found and is being delivered for forensic analysis. That analysis could include Day’s location, movement, calls placed or received from people, and the content of those calls, social media, or texts as examples.

According to Day’s mother, the phone was found October 17th near an exit along the side of an interstate by Bloomington by a man who was repositioning a mattress on his truck. Carmen Bolden Day says she wants her son’s phone, now in the possession of Bloomington police, turned over to the FBI.

Previously, Day’s car, clothing, wallet and body were found in four separate locations. His car had been hidden on a wooded trail off a residential street in Peru. In addition, the family said Jelani did not have friends and had never been to Peru, which is 60 miles from the ISU campus.

 

[MimosaMornings]

I thought sure we had discussed his phone being found.
Authorities Have Jelani Day’s Cell Phone
A new development has occurred in the death of Illinois State University grad student Jelani Day of Danville.

Three months after Day’s disappearance, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office has said his phone has been found and is being delivered for forensic analysis. That analysis could include Day’s location, movement, calls placed or received from people, and the content of those calls, social media, or texts as examples.

According to Day’s mother, the phone was found October 17th near an exit along the side of an interstate by Bloomington by a man who was repositioning a mattress on his truck. Carmen Bolden Day says she wants her son’s phone, now in the possession of Bloomington police, turned over to the FBI.

Previously, Day’s car, clothing, wallet and body were found in four separate locations. His car had been hidden on a wooded trail off a residential street in Peru. In addition, the family said Jelani did not have friends and had never been to Peru, which is 60 miles from the ISU campus.

Thanks!

 

[Seattle1]

I thought sure we had discussed his phone being found.
Authorities Have Jelani Day’s Cell Phone
A new development has occurred in the death of Illinois State University grad student Jelani Day of Danville.

^^rsbm

Day’s cellphone was found and was sent for forensic analysis, authorities confirmed Nov. 12.

^^rsbm

I think OP meant confirmation by authorities that the JD's phone was located and being analyzed.

Previously, I recall we had more allegations and arguments with the witness, his employer, and CBD, and no confirmation that the phone recovered was authenticated as actually belonging to JD.

 

[Keyedin]

Jelani Day Timeline

8/23/21, evening - JD last speaks to his family. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/24/21, 7:20 a.m. - JD seen on security camera at ISU's Bone Student Center wearing blue button-up dress shirt, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and blue face covering. (Source: BPD Release, 8/27/21)

8/24/21, 9:12 a.m. - JD seen on surveillance at Beyond/Hello retail store located at 1515 N. Veterans Pkwy. wearing a blue Detroit Lions baseball hat, black t-*advertiser censored* with Jimi Hendrix graphic, white/silver shorts, and black shoes with white soles. Surveillance also shows his car in the parking lot. (Source: BPD Release, 8/31/21)

8/25/21 - JD's family reports him missing after not being able to contact and/or locate him. He had also missed the past several days of school. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/26/21, 4:20 p.m. - Peru PD responds to reports of a vehicle concealed in a wooded area south of the Illinois Valley YMCA, north of 12th St. and Westclox Ave. intersection, 60 miles away from the retail store JD was last seen. PPD confirms it is JD's Chrysler 300. The clothes JD was seen wearing at Beyond/Hello were in the car and the license plate had been removed. It is unclear when the license plate was removed.

PPD, along with K-9 units from IL State Police, Peru FD, Utica FD, Oglesby FD, Bloomington PD detectives and State's Attorney Todd Martin conducted drone aerial searches and ground searches of the surrounding area. JD's wallet was found in the bushes about half a mile away from the car. (Source: PPD Release, 8/27/11; CNN, 10/27/21)

9/4/21, 9:47 a.m. - BPD, along with other police, fire, and rescue agencies, perform organized search of LaSalle-Peru, IL, area. Search locates unidentified body off of south bank of Illinois River, east of Illinois Route 251 bridge. (Source: BPD Release; 9/5/21)

9/20/21 - BPD issues statement related to status and activities of investigation and requests anyone who has information to contact Det. Paul Jones with BPD. (Source: BPD Release; 9/20/21)

9/23/21 - Coroner identifies body found on 9/4 as JD. (Source: LaSalle County Coroner's Office Release, 9/23/21; CNN, 9/23/21)

10/12/21 - Day family issues a statement regarding contradictions between coroner report and independent autopsy. The statement (paraphrased) says the pathologist didn't have all body parts/organs for the body identified as JD. The pathologist was confused to the method the first pathologist used in performing the autopsy and why all related organs/parts weren't with the body. It also referenced major organs being damaged "mush and liquified." (Source: ABC, 10/12/21)

10/17/21 - According to CBD, Unidentified man locates JD's "shattered" phone on the side of an interstate in Bloomington and takes it to a local Walmart to turn in for cash. (Source: WGLT, 11/15/21)

10/26/21 - Coroner rules JD's cause of death as drowning and states it is "unknown" how JD ended up in the river. "There was no evidence of antemortem injury, such as manual strangulation, an assault or altercation, sharp, blunt or gunshot injury, infection, tumor, natural disease, congenital abnormality or significant drug intoxication." Coroner Ploch added that the forensic exam was "suboptimal" due to the degree of decomposition and activity of river predators while his body was in the warm water. The report also noted that the jaw (mandible and maxilla) was removed for dental identification purposes and returned to the body before release to the family and funeral home. "Organs appear intact, complete, and within their usual anatomic positions."

JD's mother rejects the report, stating JD was an avid swimmer and didn't have depression or mental issues. (Source: NPR, 10/26/21; WGLT, )

10/29/21 - Sergio Serritella, a private investigator and forensics expert hired by the Day family to perform a third autopsy, says "while his team did not find any obvious signs of external trauma to the body, he did add that it's impossible to say there was no harm done at this point." He did not review the coroner's original report in an effort to remain objective. He confirms he was able to obtain some DNA samples to confirm identification of the remains. (Source: ABC, 10/29/21)

11/15/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff's Dept. confirmed JD's phone has been located and sent to FBI for further testing. (Source: WGLT, 11/15/21)

TIMELINE STILL IN PROGRESS

 

[Keyedin]

I've been following the case intermittently with work and hectic schedules, so I started a timeline earlier because it helps me get the big picture. It is not complete, obviously. Please feel free to link me to articles that fill in gaps. I think I've got the basic outline.

 

[rainyday412]

Jelani Day's family says his belongings were found miles away, no way he took his own life

<modsnip - opinion stated as fact>

 

[SimplyCass]

"People ask me where the evidence is that he was murdered, and I say, 'You don't have any evidence he killed himself.'"

Crump said that it made no sense that he would want to commit suicide, as he was well-liked by peers and teachers and could afford his education.

What. That's not how this works. Self harm is the 'passive' theory, what we conclude when there is no credible evidence that someone else is involved.

Their claims that JJ was murdered are 'active,' that is, is there anything credible to point to that someone else was involved. The possessions and things being in weird places does not mean murder.

Their continued claims that JJ couldn't do himself harm because he wasn't "depressed" or had plans is a serious affront to anyone who has struggled with mental health and suicide ideation.

 

[Seattle1]

Their continued claims that JJ couldn't do himself harm because he wasn't "depressed" or had plans is a serious affront to anyone who has struggled with mental health and suicide ideation

^^rsbm

I couldn't agree more @SimplyCass. And so disappointed how Attorney Crump can cite being JD's fraternity brother while ignoring their own "Brother You're on My Mind" stats:

Every year, more than 40 million Americans struggle with mental illness. African American men are as likely as anyone else to have mental illness, but they are less likely to get help.

Depression and other mental illness can be deadly if left untreated. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among African Americans 15 to 24 years old.

Untreated mental illness can also make African American men more vulnerable to substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and homicide.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and NIMHD have launched Brother, You’re on My Mind: Changing the National Dialogue Regarding Mental Health Among African American Men, an initiative to help start conversations about mental health.

Brother You’re on my Mind – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

 

[Keyedin]

Jelani Day Timeline

8/23/21, evening - JD last speaks to his family. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/24/21, 7:20 a.m. - JD seen on security camera at ISU's Bone Student Center wearing blue button-up dress shirt, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and blue face covering. (Source: BPD Release, 8/27/21)

8/24/21, 9:12 a.m. - JD seen on surveillance at Beyond/Hello retail store located at 1515 N. Veterans Pkwy. wearing a blue Detroit Lions baseball hat, black t-shirt with Jimi Hendrix graphic, white/silver shorts, and black shoes with white soles. Surveillance also shows his car in the parking lot. (Source: BPD Release, 8/31/21)

8/25/21 - JD's family reports him missing after not being able to contact and/or locate him. He had also missed the past several days of school. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/26/21, 4:20 p.m. - Peru PD responds to reports of a vehicle concealed in a wooded area south of the Illinois Valley YMCA, north of 12th St. and Westclox Ave. intersection, 60 miles away from the retail store JD was last seen. PPD confirms it is JD's Chrysler 300. The clothes JD was seen wearing at Beyond/Hello were in the car and the license plate had been removed. It is unclear when the license plate was removed.

PPD, along with K-9 units from IL State Police, Peru FD, Utica FD, Oglesby FD, Bloomington PD detectives and State's Attorney Todd Martin conducted drone aerial searches and ground searches of the surrounding area. (Source: PPD Release, 8/27/11; CNN, 10/27/21)

8/27/21 - ISU asks any students with information related to JD to contact BPD. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

8/31/21 - BPD releases information regarding JD’s last known whereabouts and asks for any information regarding those who last saw him or his vehicle. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/1/21 - CBD and others search area around Beyond/Hello for clues. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/2/21 - JD’s wallet found in LaSalle a few blocks east of where his car was found. (Source: NY Daily News, 9/23/21; Shaw Media, 9/27/21)

9/4/21, 9:47 a.m. - BPD, along with other police, fire, and rescue agencies, perform organized search of LaSalle-Peru, IL, area. Search team locates unidentified body off of south bank of Illinois River, east of Illinois Route 251 bridge. They also locate an ISU lanyard in a separate location of the river. CBD later says JD was found naked. (Source: BPD Release, 9/5/21; Shaw Media, 9/27/21; Newsweek, 12/7/21) *Need to confirm whether the lanyard contained JD’s student ID.

9/6/21 - IL State Police collect DNA from Day family. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/20/21 - BPD issues statement related to status and activities of investigation and requests anyone who has information to contact Det. Paul Jones with BPD. (Source: BPD Release, 9/20/21)

9/21/21 - ISU President Terri Kinzy gives State of University speech and asks for anyone who has information to contact LE. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/23/21 - Coroner identifies body as JD using dental records and DNA testing. (Source: LaSalle County Coroner's Office Release, 9/23/21; CNN, 9/23/21)

9/23/21 - PPD posts surveillance video of African American man approaching a residence and saying it was related to an ongoing investigation but does not specify whether it is related to JD’s case. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/27/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff’s Office identifies itself as point of contact for media and says a “collaborative multi-jurisdictional unit” is investigating, including LCSO, IL State Police, PPD, LPD, BPD, and FBI Behavior Analysis Unit. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/29/21 - PPD says man in FB video is “not a suspect or POI.” (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/12/21 - Day family issues a statement regarding contradictions between coroner report and independent autopsy. The statement (paraphrased) says the pathologist didn't have all body parts/organs for the body identified as JD. The pathologist was confused to the method the first pathologist used in performing the autopsy and why all related organs/parts weren't with the body. It also referenced major organs being damaged "mush and liquified." (Source: ABC, 10/12/21)

10/13/21 - LCSO issues public statement regarding the status of the investigation, “investigators are reviewing hundreds of hours of security video” and conducted another search of IL River, which did not yield anything further. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/15/21 - LaSalle Co. coroner releases toxicology report, which shows evidence of marijuana, caffeine, and nicotine use but does not in toxicologically significant amounts. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21; Pantagraph, 10/14/21)

10/17/21 - According to CBD, Unidentified man locates JD's "shattered" phone on the side of an interstate in Bloomington and takes it to a local Walmart to turn in for cash. (Source: WGLT, 11/15/21)

10/19/21 - JD funeral held in Danville. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/25/21 - Coroner rules JD's cause of death as drowning and states it is "unknown" how JD ended up in the river. "There was no evidence of antemortem injury, such as manual strangulation, an assault or altercation, sharp, blunt or gunshot injury, infection, tumor, natural disease, congenital abnormality or significant drug intoxication." Coroner Ploch added that the forensic exam was "suboptimal" due to the degree of decomposition and activity of river predators while his body was in the warm water. The report also noted that the jaw (mandible and maxilla) was removed for dental identification purposes and returned to the body before release to the family and funeral home. "Organs appear intact, complete, and within their usual anatomic positions."

JD's mother rejects the report, stating JD was an avid swimmer and didn't have depression or mental issues. (Source: NPR, 10/26/21; WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/29/21 - Sergio Serritella, a private investigator and forensics expert hired by the Day family to perform a third autopsy, says "while his team did not find any obvious signs of external trauma to the body, he did add that it's impossible to say there was no harm done at this point." He did not review the coroner's original report in an effort to remain objective. He confirms he was able to obtain some DNA samples to confirm identification of the remains. (Source: ABC, 10/29/21)

11/11/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff's Dept. confirmed JD's phone has been located and sent to FBI for further testing. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21; WGLT, 11/15/21)

TIMELINE STILL IN PROGRESS

 

[MimosaMornings]

"People ask me where the evidence is that he was murdered, and I say, 'You don't have any evidence he killed himself.'"

Crump said that it made no sense that he would want to commit suicide, as he was well-liked by peers and teachers and could afford his education.

What. That's not how this works. Self harm is the 'passive' theory, what we conclude when there is no credible evidence that someone else is involved.

Their claims that JJ was murdered are 'active,' that is, is there anything credible to point to that someone else was involved. The possessions and things being in weird places does not mean murder.

Their continued claims that JJ couldn't do himself harm because he wasn't "depressed" or had plans is a serious affront to anyone who has struggled with mental health and suicide ideation.

BBM
Has that been proven? He couldn’t afford an apartment and he continually asked for money. Plus the car citations.

 

[rkendmar]

TIMELINE STILL IN PROGRESS[/QUOTE]

Possible Timeline additions:

The Speech Pathology Clinical Dir. texted graduate student, Jelani Day, about his coursework on Monday night (08/23/2021).

Jelani was supposed to meet with the Clinical Dir. the next morning (08/24/2021) but did not show up.

The Clinical Dir. texted Jelani but received no response (08/24/2021).

Jelani did not attend his 1PM class (08/24/2021).

The Clinical Dir. was alarmed because, “That is not at all something our grad students would do,” and reported Jelani missing to the police (08/24/2021).

Edit: Correction of dates

ISU faculty member, who reported Jelani Day’s disappearance, says it’s ‘unlike him’
ISU faculty member, who reported Jelani Day’s disappearance, says it’s ‘unlike him’

 

[Keyedin]

Jelani Day Timeline

8/23/21, evening - JD last speaks to his family. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/23/21, evening - Dir. of Clinical Education Boester texts with JD about his course work. (Source: WJBC, 8/20/21)

8/24/21, 7:20 a.m. - JD seen on security camera at ISU's Bone Student Center wearing blue button-up dress shirt, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and blue face covering. (Source: BPD Release, 8/27/21)

8/24/21, morning - JD misses meeting with DCE Boester. She texts him to find out what was going on and received no response. (Source: WJBC, 8/20/21)

8/24/21, 9:12 a.m. - JD seen on surveillance at Beyond/Hello retail store located at 1515 N. Veterans Pkwy. wearing a blue Detroit Lions baseball hat, black t-shirt with Jimi Hendrix graphic, white/silver shorts, and black shoes with white soles. Surveillance also shows his car in the parking lot. (Source: BPD Release, 8/31/21)

8/24/21, 1:00 p.m. - JD misses class. CDE Boester was alarmed because grad students don’t typically miss classes. She reported JD missing to LE. (Source: WJBC, 8/20/21)

8/25/21 - JD's family reports him missing after not being able to contact and/or locate him. He had also missed the past several days of school. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/26/21, 4:20 p.m. - Peru PD responds to reports of a vehicle concealed in a wooded area south of the Illinois Valley YMCA, north of 12th St. and Westclox Ave. intersection, 60 miles away from the retail store JD was last seen. PPD confirms it is JD's Chrysler 300. The clothes JD was seen wearing at Beyond/Hello were in the car and the license plate had been removed. It is unclear when the license plate was removed.

PPD, along with K-9 units from IL State Police, Peru FD, Utica FD, Oglesby FD, Bloomington PD detectives and State's Attorney Todd Martin conducted drone aerial searches and ground searches of the surrounding area. (Source: PPD Release, 8/27/11; CNN, 10/27/21)

8/27/21 - ISU asks any students with information related to JD to contact BPD. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

8/31/21 - BPD releases information regarding JD’s last known whereabouts and asks for any information regarding those who last saw him or his vehicle. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/1/21 - CBD and others search area around Beyond/Hello for clues. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/2/21 - JD’s wallet found in LaSalle a few blocks east of where his car was found. (Source: NY Daily News, 9/23/21; Shaw Media, 9/27/21)

9/4/21, 9:47 a.m. - BPD, along with other police, fire, and rescue agencies, perform organized search of LaSalle-Peru, IL, area. Search team locates unidentified body off of south bank of Illinois River, east of Illinois Route 251 bridge. They also locate an ISU lanyard in a separate location of the river. CBD later says JD was found naked. (Source: BPD Release, 9/5/21; Shaw Media, 9/27/21; Newsweek, 12/7/21) *Need to confirm whether the lanyard contained JD’s student ID.

9/6/21 - IL State Police collect DNA from Day family. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/20/21 - BPD issues statement related to status and activities of investigation and requests anyone who has information to contact Det. Paul Jones with BPD. (Source: BPD Release, 9/20/21)

9/21/21 - ISU President Terri Kinzy gives State of University speech and asks for anyone who has information to contact LE. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/23/21 - Coroner identifies body as JD using dental records and DNA testing. (Source: LaSalle County Coroner's Office Release, 9/23/21; CNN, 9/23/21)

9/23/21 - PPD posts surveillance video of African American man approaching a residence and saying it was related to an ongoing investigation but does not specify whether it is related to JD’s case. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/27/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff’s Office identifies itself as point of contact for media and says a “collaborative multi-jurisdictional unit” is investigating, including LCSO, IL State Police, PPD, LPD, BPD, and FBI Behavior Analysis Unit. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/29/21 - PPD says man in FB video is “not a suspect or POI.” (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/12/21 - Day family issues a statement regarding contradictions between coroner report and independent autopsy. The statement (paraphrased) says the pathologist didn't have all body parts/organs for the body identified as JD. The pathologist was confused to the method the first pathologist used in performing the autopsy and why all related organs/parts weren't with the body. It also referenced major organs being damaged "mush and liquified." (Source: ABC, 10/12/21)

10/13/21 - LCSO issues public statement regarding the status of the investigation, “investigators are reviewing hundreds of hours of security video” and conducted another search of IL River, which did not yield anything further. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/15/21 - LaSalle Co. coroner releases toxicology report, which shows evidence of marijuana, caffeine, and nicotine use but does not in toxicologically significant amounts. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21; Pantagraph, 10/14/21)

10/17/21 - According to CBD, Unidentified man locates JD's "shattered" phone on the side of an interstate in Bloomington and takes it to a local Walmart to turn in for cash. (Source: WGLT, 11/15/21)

10/19/21 - JD funeral held in Danville. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/25/21 - Coroner rules JD's cause of death as drowning and states it is "unknown" how JD ended up in the river. "There was no evidence of antemortem injury, such as manual strangulation, an assault or altercation, sharp, blunt or gunshot injury, infection, tumor, natural disease, congenital abnormality or significant drug intoxication." Coroner Ploch added that the forensic exam was "suboptimal" due to the degree of decomposition and activity of river predators while his body was in the warm water. The report also noted that the jaw (mandible and maxilla) was removed for dental identification purposes and returned to the body before release to the family and funeral home. "Organs appear intact, complete, and within their usual anatomic positions."

JD's mother rejects the report, stating JD was an avid swimmer and didn't have depression or mental issues. (Source: NPR, 10/26/21; WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/29/21 - Sergio Serritella, a private investigator and forensics expert hired by the Day family to perform a third autopsy, says "while his team did not find any obvious signs of external trauma to the body, he did add that it's impossible to say there was no harm done at this point." He did not review the coroner's original report in an effort to remain objective. He confirms he was able to obtain some DNA samples to confirm identification of the remains. (Source: ABC, 10/29/21)

11/11/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff's Dept. confirmed JD's phone has been located and sent to FBI for further testing. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21; WGLT, 11/15/21)

TIMELINE STILL IN PROGRESS
Purple entries indicate new, additional, or changed information.

 

[NoSpoonFeeding]

New info coming out soon was incorrect, and accusations against a teacher/CB suggested? "However, in a media release last Thursday, Operation Rainbow Push said there is an unnamed ISU teacher’s alleged possible involvement with Jelani Day just before he was killed." Likely just a rehash of irresponsible innuendo, my opinion.
Peru Police Say No New Information on Jelani Day

 

[BeckyF]

New info coming out soon was incorrect, and accusations against a teacher/CB suggested? "However, in a media release last Thursday, Operation Rainbow Push said there is an unnamed ISU teacher’s alleged possible involvement with Jelani Day just before he was killed." Likely just a rehash of irresponsible innuendo, my opinion.
Peru Police Say No New Information on Jelani Day

BBM
However, in a media release last Thursday, Operation Rainbow Push said there is an unnamed ISU teacher’s alleged possible involvement with Jelani Day just before he was killed."

Operation Rainbow Push is not a law enforcement agency. I believe they are getting their information from rampant accusations on social media. If they have reliable evidence they need to contact an investigation agency.

 

[Keyedin]

Jelani Day Timeline

8/23/21, evening - JD last speaks to his family. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/23/21, evening - Dir. of Clinical Education Boester texts with JD about his course work. (Source: WJBC, 8/30/21)

8/24/21, 7:20 a.m. - JD seen on security camera at ISU's Bone Student Center wearing blue button-up dress shirt, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and blue face covering. (Source: BPD Release, 8/27/21)

8/24/21, morning - JD misses meeting with DCE Boester. She texts him to find out what was going on and received no response. (Source: WJBC, 8/30/21)

8/24/21, 9:12 a.m. - JD seen on surveillance at Beyond/Hello retail store located at 1515 N. Veterans Pkwy. wearing a blue Detroit Lions baseball hat, black t-shirt with Jimi Hendrix graphic, white/silver shorts, and black shoes with white soles. Surveillance also shows his car in the parking lot. (Source: BPD Release, 8/31/21)

8/24/21, 1:00 p.m. - JD misses class. CDE Boester was alarmed because grad students don’t typically miss classes. She reported JD missing to LE. (Source: WJBC, 8/30/21)

8/25/21 - JD's family reports him missing after not being able to contact and/or locate him. He had also missed the past several days of school. (Source: BPD Release, 8/25/21)

8/26/21, 4:20 p.m. - Peru PD responds to reports of a vehicle concealed in a wooded area south of the Illinois Valley YMCA, north of 12th St. and Westclox Ave. intersection, 60 miles away from the retail store JD was last seen. PPD confirms it is JD's Chrysler 300. The clothes JD was seen wearing at Beyond/Hello were in the car and the license plate had been removed. It is unclear when the license plate was removed.

PPD, along with K-9 units from IL State Police, Peru FD, Utica FD, Oglesby FD, Bloomington PD detectives and State's Attorney Todd Martin conducted drone aerial searches and ground searches of the surrounding area. (Source: PPD Release, 8/27/11; CNN, 10/27/21)

8/27/21 - ISU asks any students with information related to JD to contact BPD. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

8/31/21 - BPD releases information regarding JD’s last known whereabouts and asks for any information regarding those who last saw him or his vehicle. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/1/21 - CBD and others search area around Beyond/Hello for clues. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/2/21 - JD’s wallet found in LaSalle a few blocks east of where his car was found. (Source: NY Daily News, 9/23/21; Shaw Media, 9/27/21)

9/4/21, 9:47 a.m. - BPD, along with other police, fire, and rescue agencies, perform organized search of LaSalle-Peru, IL, area. Search team locates unidentified body off of south bank of Illinois River, east of Illinois Route 251 bridge. They also locate an ISU lanyard in a separate location of the river. CBD later says JD was found naked. (Source: BPD Release, 9/5/21; Shaw Media, 9/27/21; Newsweek, 12/7/21) *Need to confirm whether the lanyard contained JD’s student ID.

9/6/21 - IL State Police collect DNA from Day family. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/20/21 - BPD issues statement related to status and activities of investigation and requests anyone who has information to contact Det. Paul Jones with BPD. (Source: BPD Release, 9/20/21)

9/21/21 - ISU President Terri Kinzy gives State of University speech and asks for anyone who has information to contact LE. (Source: Pantagraph, 9/23/21)

9/23/21 - Coroner identifies body as JD using dental records and DNA testing. (Source: LaSalle County Coroner's Office Release, 9/23/21; CNN, 9/23/21)

9/23/21 - PPD posts surveillance video of African American man approaching a residence and saying it was related to an ongoing investigation but does not specify whether it is related to JD’s case. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/27/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff’s Office identifies itself as point of contact for media and says a “collaborative multi-jurisdictional unit” is investigating, including LCSO, IL State Police, PPD, LPD, BPD, and FBI Behavior Analysis Unit. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

9/29/21 - PPD says man in FB video is “not a suspect or POI.” (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/12/21 - Day family issues a statement regarding contradictions between coroner report and independent autopsy. The statement (paraphrased) says the pathologist didn't have all body parts/organs for the body identified as JD. The pathologist was confused to the method the first pathologist used in performing the autopsy and why all related organs/parts weren't with the body. It also referenced major organs being damaged "mush and liquified." (Source: ABC, 10/12/21)

10/13/21 - LCSO issues public statement regarding the status of the investigation, “investigators are reviewing hundreds of hours of security video” and conducted another search of IL River, which did not yield anything further. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/15/21 - LaSalle Co. coroner releases toxicology report, which shows evidence of marijuana, caffeine, and nicotine use but does not in toxicologically significant amounts. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21; Pantagraph, 10/14/21)

10/17/21 - According to CBD, Unidentified man locates JD's "shattered" phone on the side of an interstate in Bloomington and takes it to a local Walmart to turn in for cash. (Source: WGLT, 11/15/21)

10/19/21 - JD funeral held in Danville. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/25/21 - Coroner rules JD's cause of death as drowning and states it is "unknown" how JD ended up in the river. "There was no evidence of antemortem injury, such as manual strangulation, an assault or altercation, sharp, blunt or gunshot injury, infection, tumor, natural disease, congenital abnormality or significant drug intoxication." Coroner Ploch added that the forensic exam was "suboptimal" due to the degree of decomposition and activity of river predators while his body was in the warm water. The report also noted that the jaw (mandible and maxilla) was removed for dental identification purposes and returned to the body before release to the family and funeral home. "Organs appear intact, complete, and within their usual anatomic positions."

JD's mother rejects the report, stating JD was an avid swimmer and didn't have depression or mental issues. (Source: NPR, 10/26/21; WGLT, 10/25/21)

10/29/21 - Sergio Serritella, a private investigator and forensics expert hired by the Day family to perform a third autopsy, says "while his team did not find any obvious signs of external trauma to the body, he did add that it's impossible to say there was no harm done at this point." He did not review the coroner's original report in an effort to remain objective. He confirms he was able to obtain some DNA samples to confirm identification of the remains. (Source: ABC, 10/29/21)

11/11/21 - LaSalle Co. Sheriff's Dept. confirmed JD's phone has been located and sent to FBI for further testing. (Source: WGLT, 10/25/21; WGLT, 11/15/21)

TIMELINE STILL IN PROGRESS
Purple entries indicate new, additional, or changed information.

 

[BeckyF]

"People ask me where the evidence is that he was murdered, and I say, 'You don't have any evidence he killed himself.'"

Crump said that it made no sense that he would want to commit suicide, as he was well-liked by peers and teachers and could afford his education.

What. That's not how this works. Self harm is the 'passive' theory, what we conclude when there is no credible evidence that someone else is involved.

Their claims that JJ was murdered are 'active,' that is, is there anything credible to point to that someone else was involved. The possessions and things being in weird places does not mean murder.

Their continued claims that JJ couldn't do himself harm because he wasn't "depressed" or had plans is a serious affront to anyone who has struggled with mental health and suicide ideation.

It is absolutely an affront to people who suffer from mental illness. I’m sure most of us know of someone or of a person we read about in news media that suddenly committed suicide and absolutely no one wanted to believe that person would have committed suicide. I certainly don’t know if Jelani chose to end his own life. The circumstances are definitely odd. But for public figures to downplay any suggestion of self harm, or even an accident, is no justice or closure at all. JMO