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

[Cubby]

Debbies case will be featured on our front page next week. I put the request in over a month ago.

I plan on getting ready to get those pictures I hoped for so close to the date of Debbies murder but we are expecting a blizzard this week! (they are saying up to 20" in some areas). If not this week, maybe Friday then post next week sometime. Though the snow on the ground will certainly make the view different than the weather the day Debbie was murdered. I seem to recall there was no snow on the ground when she was murdered due to the warm weather that week. If I get my errands done I might be able to get pictures taken tomorrow but will have to wait to post them as I'll have to go the Kodak CD route.

Today it was just barely light out at 5:26pm though that was not the official sunset time. If any of the students left school by 5 with a walk home similiar to Debbies they would have had enough time to get home just before dark. By 5:15 or so there was not enough daylight left for Debbie to have made the walk home. Fair Oaks Rd still has no street lights and Debbie would have had about a half mile or just short of a half mile walk North on Fair Oaks Rd.

Still thinking of Debbie and praying tomorrow is the day there is a MSM article about an arrest. I hope for that every day......

 

[Cubby]

Photo's on hold until the snow melts. The scenery would not look at all similiar and the snow banks are so high due to the blizzard we had this week it would be too difficult to get pictures of the area.

I promise I will get them when the weather is more cooperative.

 

[shadowangel]

Dumb question that I'm too lazy to research right now... Was daylight savings time in effect then?

 

[Cubby]

I think so Shadow. We don't push the clocks forward until March and it was April. We turned them back in Nov now, Oct then.


hth and miss you!

 

[Cubby]

A snippet from one of the Chicago Tribune Pay To View articles in which Mrs. Schofield admits to burning her husbands clothing. Now why would she burn her husbands clothing? hmmmm......

Teacher at West Chicago Fails 6 Lie Tests

‎
Pay-Per-View - Chicago Tribune - Feb 15, 1966
Mrs. Mary Ann Schofield was with her husband at the sher- iff s headquarters in Wheaton. She told State's Atty. William [Doe] Hopf that she burned some of ...



The 45th anniversary of Debbies tragic murder just months after she turned 10 is this coming week, Friday February 11th.

45 years is too long. This family has suffered enough.


It's time forthe person responsible to confess to the truth. I can't imagine the guilt and excuses one must make for themself after 45 years of holding this in.

A few weeks ago I was at a mandatory meeting for my sons first holy penance and first holy communion. As I sat and listened to the priest and thought about my own honesty while I see my young child embrace Christ I wondered how one might dodge the bullet and fool themself into a partial penance.

As I thought of that, I knew immediately what I would be praying for this upcoming Lenten season. For the perpetrator responsible for taking Debbies life to be honest with him- (or her) self as well as truly understanding the full meaning of reconciliation. To take responsibility and confess to what he (or she) did. Would a penance of any less be acceptable if one truly claims to love the Lord?

I know in my heart Debbie deserves no less, she was just a child. A child loved by not only her family but the Lord Jesus Himself in whoms arms she now rests awaiting Justice as does her family.

I am in this for the long haul.

Debbie you are not forgotten. The wheels of justice turn slowly but they happen. Soon, Debbie, soon.

In Christ,

Cubby

 

[Kimster]

Debbie is our Featured Cold Case from February 6th to February 13th, 2011.

Forty-five years is WAY too long to find justice! May this be Debbie's week! :rose:

 

[Cubby]

Thank you Kimster! 45 years IS too long. It is time for closure and justice in this case.

 

[Claudette]

Any updates?

 

[megmarie]

Photo's on hold until the snow melts. The scenery would not look at all similiar and the snow banks are so high due to the blizzard we had this week it would be too difficult to get pictures of the area.

I promise I will get them when the weather is more cooperative.

If you can bump up or repost the photo list, I'm sure I can head over there this week and take the pictures for you. If I' remembering correctly the current weather is fairly close.

 

[Cubby]

If you can bump up or repost the photo list, I'm sure I can head over there this week and take the pictures for you. If I' remembering correctly the current weather is fairly close.

Thank you for offering megmarie. Real Life has been pretty hectic for me lately, so your offer is much appreciated.

The following were some of the idea's I had for photo's.

The front of the school.
Looking westbound toward Fair Oaks from the front of the school. *
Intersection of Fair Oaks and St. Charles.
Pond in front of school which was searched for the murder weapon. (this is currently between the church/bldng across from school and North Ave. (one has been made a retention pond, just to the east is one still in it's natural state. I don't know which or if both were searched.)
Intersection Debbie was found. The Lot which is still farmland next to where Debbie was found. (NE corner of Fair Oaks and Lies as the Schofields owned this land at the time of Debbies murder).
A few photo's of what is now the Forest Preserve which was all Schofield farm at the time of Debbies murder.
? I'd like a photo of the house which still exists on the FP property as I believe this was the Schofield home. (we' d have to be careful with this due to privacy reasons as the home has a current resident. Maybe a semi distant photo so to not give any details which should remain private such as current owners automobile.....)

Maybe determine how far it is between what was the Schofield home and the intersection of Fair Oaks and Lies. I don't recall if the home can still be seen from FO and Lies. Maybe in the winter months when the leaves are not on the trees it is viewable. I haven't gone by the area since the weather has gotten poor.

The intersection of Klein and St. Charles looking north. I think Klein Rd (or Klien) is kind of important to give an idea of the likely alternate route to avoid running into Debbies mom while driving on Fair Oaks. I don't imagine Klein looks much different today than it did back in 1966 as the east side of the road is still wooded and mostly undeveloped. MAybe a few photo's of Klein Rd.

Maybe some of the homes on Wynn, or looking west on Wynn from Fair Oaks. Again use caution/discretion - we don't want to invade anyone's privacy.


* With regards to the front of the school looking westbound towards Fair Oaks. If possible, I would like readers to get an idea of the slope of the road and how the top of the stop sign is hardly viewable from right in front of the school.

I also know the road which goes Northbound between the school and Fair Oaks was not there when Debbie was murdered. Those homes and that street are all newer since 1966.


I'd have to go back through the thread as I don't recall the approximate area where it is believed Debbie got in the car or how close that is to where the newer road and homes were built since Debbies murder. I'd would like to get an idea of that location as well. Maybe from standing in front of the school. If we can figure out how to add an X to a photo to indicate the view of the person who reportedly witnessed a girl who resembled Debbie talking to someone at a car.


That is quite a wish list of photo's so whatever you can do is much appreciated! (Please don't feel you have to do all of them, as I know that is a long wish list.) Also, it might be easier to upload them via an image hosting site such as imageshack rather than to add each on here..... I don't usually recommend Photo Bucket because it is my understanding if the site remains dormant for 90 days or so photobucket deletes the account.

I trust your judgement. The above are just some idea's I had. If you have any other idea's to add please feel free to add some.

 

[Cubby]

Am hoping megmarie was able to get those pictures this last week.


I had an interesting conversation recently with both the DuPage County ME and one of my local village LEO's.

Village first. I initially called to discuss the DuPage Johnny Doe case but mentioned Debbies case. I told him how many locals had joined both here at WS, and at the FB Memorial page for Debbie and even after this many years so many have not forgotten. It amazes me, and I am grateful and thankful so many have joined to share their thoughts and memories of Debbie. I told him, my local LE contact, I was gonna solve this case! He (jokingly, I hope) told me, if you solve this case you'll be teaching our local citizens police academy class which he invited me to and I took last spring. To which I replied, I don't literally mean ME but I will do all I can to see Debbies case is not forgotten and solved.


I also spoke with the DuPage ME regarding the little DuPage Johnny Doe case, and mentioned I was expecting to be blown away with news that Debbies case was solved. I was not expecting to be knocked upside the head by a fast ball I never saw coming with the ID on little DuPage Johnny Doe. We got to talking a little about that case and then Debbies. I didn't ask too many questions, as I know not to push too hard, but the ME and I got to talking about Sally's case as well. It was a somewhat interesting conversation and I made a kind of a whoops when I realized the ME was talking about Milone and I was talking about Macek. We ended our conversation on utilizing NamUs and the Herrick Lake John Doe.


I've left a few messages post DuPage Johnny has been id'd to the detective handling Debbies case and have not had a return call or email. Hopefully he is so busy presenting info to the DA Debbies case will be solved soon! I eagerly await the day that fast ball hits me upside the head and I can be louder than a Cub fan at Wrigley after a World Series win that Debbies case is solved. Because that is really how loud I will be when, not if, her case is solved. I no longer want a World Series win, I want Debbies case solved as bad as Cub fans want a WS win.


Looking forward to those pictures when megmarie can get them posted and thanks for reading the update on what is going on in my neck of the woods.

 

[Cubby]

I'm wondering again about Mrs. Stark, who was the neighbor across the street from the old Schofield farm. Last I searched she was still alive and a member of the Carol Stream historical society. (do not bother her please) I wonder if LE has tried to contact her recently, and what if anything she would be willing to share this many years later.

I have put in calls to my old real estate contacts in that area. Sadly, their RE licenses only go back to the 70's. They don't know her personally, only know of her, who she is and that she was one of the owners in what was then that area of the farm community.

Alliances change, peoples motives change over the years. No doubt, that is one of the ways cases get solved many many years later.

I wish I had a lot of money. I'd offer up my own reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Debbies murder. Sadly, I am not in a position to do so. However, SOMEONE KNOWS. It is NOT TOO LATE to call in a tip, even anonymously with what you know about Debbies case. Even something that seemed unusual or odd, but was dismissed as not being relevant might be the thing to break this case wide open.

Worth repeating:

Alliances change, peoples motives change over the years. No doubt, that is one of the ways cases get solved many many years later. If you have ANY information on this case please contact the DuPage County Sheriff's office at 630.407.2400 and ask for the Cold Case Unit


Debbies family and loved ones have waited too long for justice and answers in this case. Do the right thing, make that call!

 

[Cubby]

Thank you for offering megmarie. Real Life has been pretty hectic for me lately, so your offer is much appreciated.

The following were some of the idea's I had for photo's.

The front of the school.
Looking westbound toward Fair Oaks from the front of the school. *
Intersection of Fair Oaks and St. Charles.
Pond in front of school which was searched for the murder weapon. (this is currently between the church/bldng across from school and North Ave. (one has been made a retention pond, just to the east is one still in it's natural state. I don't know which or if both were searched.)
Intersection Debbie was found. The Lot which is still farmland next to where Debbie was found. (NE corner of Fair Oaks and Lies as the Schofields owned this land at the time of Debbies murder).
A few photo's of what is now the Forest Preserve which was all Schofield farm at the time of Debbies murder.
? I'd like a photo of the house which still exists on the FP property as I believe this was the Schofield home. (we' d have to be careful with this due to privacy reasons as the home has a current resident. Maybe a semi distant photo so to not give any details which should remain private such as current owners automobile.....)

Maybe determine how far it is between what was the Schofield home and the intersection of Fair Oaks and Lies. I don't recall if the home can still be seen from FO and Lies. Maybe in the winter months when the leaves are not on the trees it is viewable. I haven't gone by the area since the weather has gotten poor.

The intersection of Klein and St. Charles looking north. I think Klein Rd (or Klien) is kind of important to give an idea of the likely alternate route to avoid running into Debbies mom while driving on Fair Oaks. I don't imagine Klein looks much different today than it did back in 1966 as the east side of the road is still wooded and mostly undeveloped. MAybe a few photo's of Klein Rd.

Maybe some of the homes on Wynn, or looking west on Wynn from Fair Oaks. Again use caution/discretion - we don't want to invade anyone's privacy.


* With regards to the front of the school looking westbound towards Fair Oaks. If possible, I would like readers to get an idea of the slope of the road and how the top of the stop sign is hardly viewable from right in front of the school.

I also know the road which goes Northbound between the school and Fair Oaks was not there when Debbie was murdered. Those homes and that street are all newer since 1966.


I'd have to go back through the thread as I don't recall the approximate area where it is believed Debbie got in the car or how close that is to where the newer road and homes were built since Debbies murder. I'd would like to get an idea of that location as well. Maybe from standing in front of the school. If we can figure out how to add an X to a photo to indicate the view of the person who reportedly witnessed a girl who resembled Debbie talking to someone at a car.


That is quite a wish list of photo's so whatever you can do is much appreciated! (Please don't feel you have to do all of them, as I know that is a long wish list.) Also, it might be easier to upload them via an image hosting site such as imageshack rather than to add each on here..... I don't usually recommend Photo Bucket because it is my understanding if the site remains dormant for 90 days or so photobucket deletes the account.

I trust your judgement. The above are just some idea's I had. If you have any other idea's to add please feel free to add some.

Quoting myself. I hope my wish list wasn't too big and that megmarie is just busy with real life and still plans on adding photo's. megmarie if you are still checking in, posting them as attachments or adding images is just fine too.

 

[Cubby]

It's Lent, and I find myself wondering about LS and Debbies case. One part of me knows I don't have the answers. Though I do know for close to 5 decades a family has been suffering. I know the bible teaches me to not let my brothers struggle or bear false witness.

It leads me to wonder, why after so many years would Mr. Schofield not work to clear himself or confess? If I were to wish to witness my faith, I could not leave false witness out there lingering causing my brethren to stumble. Even if some humiliation came along with explaining myself.

I'm torn. I want to believe the confessions made by Mr. Schofield to law enforcement were due to a addiction, however if that were fact why not submit to current technology and seek to officially clear himself?

And if by chance Mr. Schofield is indeed responsible for Debbies murder, why 'mock' the Lord and what he died for on the cross? And how could he possibly live through 45 lenten seasons believing a partial confession to a priest ( if he ever did so) was full penance?

If nothing else, how exactly does Mr. Schofield justify his silence in this matter? Is it not enough that a family, an entire community and those who seek justice are left to greive and wonder? Is it not enough to exemplify the oil and lamp and forgiveness if those judging were wrong?

My thoughts are with Debbie answers and justice for her case this Lenten season.

 

[Cubby]

Going to try and add the links to photo's available via street view from google maps. Unfortunately St. Charles Rd. is not available via street view on Google maps - so I will try and get those photo's not available via map taken this week. It might be easier to get a feel for the area by opening the link and exploring via the street view as well. These links are to give the location and a start for a perspective on the area as it looks today.

St. Charles at Klein Road looking north. This is the possible route we believe LS would have taken going west on St. Charles passed Fair Oaks and then turning north here on Klein. (The route home would have been on Fair Oaks which is where Debbie would have turned North on her route home. Her mother would have been coming from the North heading south on her route to pick up Debbie.) You can see even today it is still quite wooded and rural looking.

benjamin school west chicago - Google Maps

 

[Cubby]

The interesection of Fair Oaks and Lies. On Lies facing west. To the right is a corn field which was once part of the Schofield family farm property. This was a smaller area of land on the East of Fair Oaks which the Schofields owned. Most of their land/property was on the West Side of Fair Oaks. Behind the drive on the other side of Fair Oaks behind the yellow arrow sign. The Yellow arrow sign would indicate the farthest South end of the Schofield farm property and is now the the farthest South end of the Forest Preserve. To the South are private homes.

benjamin school west chicago - Google Maps

 

[Cubby]

Intersection of Fair Oaks and Lies on Fair Oaks looking North. The home where the Schofields resided is not viewable from this intersection. It may have been in 1966.

benjamin school west chicago - Google Maps

 

[Cubby]

Fair Oaks and Lies looking south a few blocks North of Wynn, the street on which Debbie resided. The single family homes seen on the left or to the east of Fair Oaks did not exist in 1966. The area was still wooded at the time according to those who lived in the area in 1966.


benjamin school west chicago - Google Maps

 

[Cubby]

Looking East down St. Charles Rd from the intersection of St. Charles and Fair Oaks. The tiny red brick building on the left is Benjamin School. It might be difficult to tell from this photo but St. Charles is on a grade/hill and the road is lower at the school. The stop sign at the intersection of Fair Oaks and St. Charles is barely visible from directly in front of the school.

benjamin school west chicago - Google Maps

 

[Cubby]

Fair Oaks and Wynn looking West onto Wynn. The homes are not viewable from the intersection.

fair oaks and lies carol stream - Google Maps


Two more posts to go and then the rest will be taken via digital camera.