IL IL - Debbie Fijan, 10, DuPage County, 11 Feb 1966 - #2

[Kayo - 55]

Dna descendents for GVK.
<removed link> Different Klein family

Is this the correct GK?

Still researching any possible dna connections that might benefit this case.

George M. K. : (b - 03/14/1871, d - 10/16/1953 in Wayne Township), GMK married Rosa L. on 05/30/1899. Edna K. S. (b - 07/09/1904 was a daughter of GMK/Rosa, and was LS's mother. Edna had quite a few siblings, she died on 10/18/1990, and is buried in the "family plot" at SC of Genoa Church. Not sure about GVK? No middle initial was given for GMK's father - just George K. The only individuals supposedley buried at the SC Cemetery "family plot" are Edna KS, LS (?) per his obit., and LS's daughter Joanna that drowned on her 2nd birthday in 1978. Sad.

 

[Kayo - 55]

Afaik, other than the burial plots, LS no longer had any connections to St. Catherine's. That would explain why no mention was made in any church bulletin.

LS made donations to SC Religious Education in 2006 & 2007, $1K each year. I will not mention who received this money, since it's not important right now. This information was published in the church bulletin. The only reason why I looked at some of the recent bulletins was because LS was listed as a "musician" and "religious education coordinator" at SC of Genoa Church in his obituary. WTF!! Then again, maybe LS died in KC on 05/31/18, not in Illinois on 06/01/18. Per Helpful 1, a supposed relative of LS, LS's obit. "was not fabricated". I CONTINUE "to smell a rat".

 

[Kayo - 55]

"No longer had any connections to St. Catherine's". "That would explain why no mention was made in any church bulletin". Hmm...…………..maybe more protection from the RCC. Like you said Cubby: "so many nut jobs out there".

 

[Kayo - 55]

Donations from LS to SC of Genoa RC Church (Religious Education x 2 years @ $1K ea.) were designated as "The Loren Schofield Award". Hmm...……...interesting, for an individual (a.k.a. LS) that: 1) had a strong religious upbringing as a child, 2) studied to become a priest for a short time at Pontifical College in Ohio in the mid-late 1950's, 3) attended and graduated from Quincy College, a private Catholic University in IL, 4) taught at Benjamin Elementary School in West Chicago, IL between 1964-1966, 4) married Mary AS, who also had a "strong religious Catholic upbringing" and taught in the parochial school system, 5) LS & MAS had 1 child before Debbie was murdered & 4 children after 02/11/1966 - one child that drowned at the age of 2 in 1978, 6) MAS, who burned LS's clothes on 02/11 or 02/12/1966 "left the church" when she was older, 7) LS "left the church", returned??, had 5 children, donated $$ as described above, and was a Religious Education Coordinator (i.e. YOUNG kids) at SC of Genoa RCC.

"Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds".

 

[Kayo - 55]

As most of the regular followers of Debbie's site might know, Phil W. (1934-2016) was LS's brother-in-law; even though Phil's last name was excluded in LS's obit - "the names have been changed (removed) to protect the innocent" (and/or guilty). Phil was married to LS's sister Mary. Phil's sister L W. S was married to Doug S.(1940-2010). Yes, per the 02/16/1966 Chicago Tribune - "We've Got Our Man", Doug S. was the first "family friend" that met with LS; even before LS met with his father & brother in jail. Doug eventually became a very prominent Attorney with his families law firm (S & A) in Joliet, IL.; although I don't know if he was a "licensed attorney" when he initially met with LS in 1966. He would have been about 26, a year younger than LS.

I believe, though unconfirmed, that Phil W. was from a prominent family name in the Wheaton/Naperville, Il area (i.e. "Wiesbrook Road", "Wiesbrook Subdivision", and "Wiesbrook Elementary School").When LS's mother E Klein S applied for the "Withdrawal of Condemnation Award" in the Circuit Court of the 18th Judicial Circuit, DPC, Illinois, in 1975 for the "family farm" at Lies & Fair Oaks; *** a check in the amount of approx. $590K was sent to E Klein S c/o Phil W. (Plainfield, IL). This excluded Attorney's fees of approx. $38K, and $22K in escrow with Chicago Title & Trust. Hmm...…money sent to a son-in-law vs. one of her sons - for sure NOT LS!!

I will continue to believe that LS "got off". I've never been convinced that the DPCSD, WCPD, etc. has "lifted a finger" since 02/11/1966 in solving Debbie's case. Sadly, as usual, "it's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know".

***Information obtained from the DPCFP, Wheaton, IL - FOIA (FACTS)

 

[Cubby]

I fail to see how ties to the community decades ago effect how Debbie's case has been handled the last decade or so. Maybe when it first occured, but not now.

Personally, I think we might be able to persuade the next sheriff to spend more time and resources on this case. Zaruba is on his way out. Let's see what we can do once the election is over. Shake a few trees and see what falls out after November.

 

[Kayo - 55]

Donations from LS to SC of Genoa RC Church (Religious Education x 2 years @ $1K ea.) were designated as "The Loren Schofield Award". Hmm...……...interesting, for an individual (a.k.a. LS) that: 1) had a strong religious upbringing as a child, 2) studied to become a priest for a short time at Pontifical College in Ohio in the mid-late 1950's, 3) attended and graduated from Quincy College, a private Catholic University in IL, 4) taught at Benjamin Elementary School in West Chicago, IL between 1964-1966, 4) married Mary AS, who also had a "strong religious Catholic upbringing" and taught in the parochial school system, 5) LS & MAS had 1 child before Debbie was murdered & 4 children after 02/11/1966 - one child that drowned at the age of 2 in 1978, 6) MAS, who burned LS's clothes on 02/11 or 02/12/1966 "left the church" when she was older, 7) LS "left the church", returned??, had 5 children, donated $$ as described above, and was a Religious Education Coordinator (i.e. YOUNG kids) at SC of Genoa RCC.

"Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds".

# 6 ABOVE (per Kane County Obituary Collection - 223): "Maryanne S., 65, of KC MO formerly of Genoa, IL died 07/15/2002 at her home. She was born 04/03/1937 in Chicago, IL. MAS retired from the NIU Law Library, Dekalb, IL. She was a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Genoa, IL. Survivors include her husband LS of KC, MO, a son...…………, three daughters....., two brothers". "Visitation 07/18/2002 at 2:00 p.m. until time of services".

I knew that MAS worked for the NIU Law Library, but I don't know when she started there, the exact year they moved to the KC area, etc. Very interesting that MAS worked at the Law Library, of all places. And to think that MAS burned LS's clothes the night Debbie was found, or shortly thereafter. Any NIU law school alums out there that might "know someone, that knows someone" that might have a contact in HR @ NIU?

 

[Kayo - 55]

I fail to see how ties to the community decades ago effect how Debbie's case has been handled the last decade or so. Maybe when it first occured, but not now.

Personally, I think we might be able to persuade the next sheriff to spend more time and resources on this case. Zaruba is on his way out. Let's see what we can do once the election is over. Shake a few trees and see what falls out after November.

OH!!, if only the list of individuals that served on the Grand Jury could be released - I'm sure a "treasure trove" of information. I wonder what effect it would have had on the entire Schofield (Klein) family if John S. didn't drown in 1967; even after LS was released. Would JS have been re-elected as Highway Commissioner? Contributions to/from? Egg delivery service that JS provided for the jail - HA! Would the entire family have "headed for the hills", and bolted from the area? One of the individuals that drowned in Canada with John S. worked for a "heavy equipment" company. Most likely (?), just another benefit/perk and fully paid trip for JS. LS's attorney asks that Judge Fitzgerald is removed for a "conflict of interest" (i.e. signs a search warrant), and Fitzgerald is removed/replaced. Why and how was he removed? Isn't that what Judges do? Sign search warrants? Judge Fitzgerald's son became a Bishop, who was very close in age to LS. Hmm...….maybe "the future Bishop" knew something ("skeletons in the closet") about LS, the family, etc. "Bishop F." attended Marmion Academy when younger. LS's attorney Robert C. served as a Trustee on Marmion's Board, though I can't confirm the exact dates.

If individuals "looked the other way" back in 1966 (i.e. "cover-up", "influence", "ties to the community"), I doubt very much that law enforcement, lawyers, etc. would care to be involved with any litigation from DF family members, relatives, etc.; even with LS dead. As most of you know, if ANYONE READING, LS attempted to sue the DPCSD and/or 2 detectives, $2 million, for "defamation of character" - or something like that. How funny & pitiful is that.

 

[Kayo - 55]

"OLD NEWS" (reading anymore)?? Just because LS died, doesn't mean you "sleuther's" out there should give up on Debbie. As mentioned in #845 above, Doug S. of S & A (Joliet, IL) was the first family friend to meet with LS in jail. S & A, now S & T, has represented the RCD of Joliet for many years. LS even admitted that he "could have done it", and that he "needed help". How many "lie detector" tests did he take/fail, 5-6? MAS burns his clothing. Sadly, for Debbie, 2+2 has NEVER = 4 for her since 02/11/1966. Can someone please tell me WTF I'm missing (rhetorical, not fabricated)?

Worst Kept Secrets Sexual Abuse Cases: Plenty of Public Information on 15 Joliet Diocese Priests, by Ted Slowik, Herald News, May 5, 2002

 

[Kayo - 55]

I was looking for some info. recently on the State's Atty. that was involved with Debbie's case; fell upon the info. below. Just another "angle" on Debbie's death, LS, and Maryanne.

Madera Tribune 16 February 1966 — California Digital Newspaper Collection

 

[Kayo - 55]

# 6 ABOVE (per Kane County Obituary Collection - 223): "Maryanne S., 65, of KC MO formerly of Genoa, IL died 07/15/2002 at her home. She was born 04/03/1937 in Chicago, IL. MAS retired from the NIU Law Library, Dekalb, IL. She was a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Genoa, IL. Survivors include her husband LS of KC, MO, a son...…………, three daughters....., two brothers". "Visitation 07/18/2002 at 2:00 p.m. until time of services".

I knew that MAS worked for the NIU Law Library, but I don't know when she started there, the exact year they moved to the KC area, etc. Very interesting that MAS worked at the Law Library, of all places. And to think that MAS burned LS's clothes the night Debbie was found, or shortly thereafter. Any NIU law school alums out there that might "know someone, that knows someone" that might have a contact in HR @ NIU?

Amendment to the above: "Funeral service for MAS was held on 07/18/2002 at St. Catherine of Genoa Catholic Church". Internment was at St. Catherine's Cemetery. A Priest, and a Pastor from MAS's church officiated the funeral service and internment. Hmm...…."the plot thickens".

 

[Kayo - 55]

I always think and wonder what would have happened if State's Atty. William Hopf would have kept his mouth shut (Chicago Tribune, o2/17/1966) regarding "a muddy foot print...….had been found in the car of Loren Schofield, 27, her accused slayer".
This evidence was not allowed in the proceedings, since released in the Trib. Very sad for Debbie.

William Valentine “Doc” Hopf, 1964-1973

Succeeding Bauer was his First Assistant, William V. “Doc” Hopf. Hopf was born in Geneva in 1928 and was the son of a dentist who had served as DuPage County’s Coroner and from whom Hopf eventually inherited the nickname “Doc.” A lifelong resident of Wheaton, Hopf was the captain of the football team and a track star at Wheaton Community High School. After serving as a special deputy sheriff in 1948, Hopf earned his law degree from DePaul University’s College of Law in 1952, and joined the Army during the Korean War. Upon returning to Wheaton, he was elected Justice of the Peace in Milton Township in 1955. He served as an Assistant State's Attorney from 1957 until 1964 when he became State’s Attorney. In 1973, Hopf was appointed a Circuit Judge in DuPage County and later became Chief Judge in 1979. From 1981 until his retirement from judicial service in 1988, he served as a Judge of the Second District Appellate Court. Hopf passed away in 1998 at the age of 69.

 

[Kayo - 55]

To all you sleuther's out there: "COME OUT, COME OUT, wherever you are". Per the above - "Doc" Hopf served as a special deputy sheriff when only 20 yrs. old. Holy Cr#p!! Judge Fitzgerald was dismissed before/during(?) the initial Grand Jury Trial for Debbie, due to a supposed conflict of interest (i.e. signed a search warrant). "Doc" becomes State's Atty. (inexperienced?) at 36, without any "conflict of interest" since he worked as a "special deputy sheriff"?? It would be both interesting, AND REVEALING, to find out who made donations, when, and how much was made to some of the various political parties, candidates, & elections in the 1960's. Ah yes, "the outstretched hands" and/or help from the "Daley Machine" in Cook Cnty. to DPC (kidding, smile). If I recall, the Schofield's "leaned" Republican (?), and the Wayne Township Highway Commissioner job that JS had up until he drowned in 1967 was an elected position. What about the Judges, etc. in/out of certain "pockets" during that time.

 

[Kayo - 55]

Many thanks to all of you that have contributed to Debbie's site since 2010. Prior to the year I joined WS in 2012, I had mistakenly thought that Debbie's case had been solved years ago. Maybe a case of repressed memory. As mentioned previously, I personally knew Debbie at Benjamin, I attended her funeral, and to this day, I have "flashbacks" if/when I go into a florist; where as most of you might know, the "fragrance" in a florist is very distinct. I know, strange. The funeral association is immediate; and it's not the same association as buying flowers for High School prom (HA!), anniversaries, holidays, birthdays, etc.

Debbie's WS site, all the posts from members (i.e. Cubby, rpipergirl, shadowangel, etc.), and allowing me to "vent", has probably saved me $$ hundreds of dollars in therapy/counseling fees - HA! I've been told that I "just need to get over this". It hasn't been easy; although I think her death was easier to accept, as opposed to the fact that someone got away with it - if that makes any sense. Hmm..... Even with LS gone, I'd still like to think that someone/somewhere might know something, and I hope they come forward. Quite possibly, with the upcoming Nov. elections in DPC, the new Sheriff might decide that the unsolved cold cases in DPC need more attention; especially Debbie's. Sadly, I don't think that's going to happen, and I also think that LS got away with murder. It's true what they say: "You just can't fight City Hall" I'll never forget my short friendship with Debbie at a very young age, and hope that all of you do the same. I would also encourage those of you that are in the Chicago area, to visit Debbie at the Irving Park Cemetery. She does not have a grave marker, but the on-site staff can help you find her plot. She is buried next to her maternal grandparents. I've only been there once, but plan to visit her again hopefully this fall.

Thanks again. Kayo Out (for now?), 08/08/18

 

[Helpful1]

I find it a shame this case has yet to be solved. It's been too long and the DCPD need to resolve this case.

 

[Kayo - 55]

I find it a shame this case has yet to be solved. It's been too long and the DCPD need to resolve this case.

Dupage County Sheriff's Office Crime Stoppers

 

[Cubby]

DuPage County IL Sheriff Official Website - Unsolved Murders

These cases have been selected because our investigators believe that they can be solved - with the help of forensic science and the community.

If you have any information regarding any of these cases, please call the Sheriff's Office at 630.407.2400 and ask for the Cold Case Unit. You may also e-mail the unit.

 

[Cubby]

Crime Stoppers 1800-222-TIPS


Dupage County Sheriff's Office Crime Stoppers

Tips can be sent in anonymously.

 

[PinkPrincessPoop]

Did LE collect ANYTHING from Debbie that could be tested for DNA?

 

[Kayo - 55]

Did LE collect ANYTHING from Debbie that could be tested for DNA?

Maybe Cubby can confirm this, but yes, Debbie's mother gave a hair brush of Debbie's to the DPCSO quite a few years ago. Her parents were living in Fla. at the time. Sadly, forensic science/DNA testing back in the 1960's was in its infancy, and most of us that have followed Debbie's case know that LS's wife MAS burned LS's clothes the night Debbie was found, or on Saturday, the day after. Obviously, any forensic testing (i.e. Debbie's fingernails) at that time was non-existent; lucky for the suspect. I have no idea what, if anything, DPCSO has from LS, or other relatives.