IL IL - Debbie Fijan, 10, murdered, DuPage Co, 11 Feb 1966 #3

[Kayo - 55]

Post web, many obits are written by family members which might explain a failure to follow through in a more traditional sense.

Per Cubby in June - 2018, page 42:
The more personal info LS's family releases, the better the chances some nut job is going to harass named family so I understand why info was released as it was.

The above was in reference to LS's obit., and I understand what both of you are saying. Obit for LS's daughter in law definitely seemed to want to "distance" the entire Schofield family from Linda & Matthew S., whereas, I remember MaryAnne S's obit. listed all her children, many relatives/other survivors, and even LS. Matthew was the oldest, seemed to move away from IL/KC a number of X's. Hmm............I won't go there.

 

[Kayo - 55]

Undaunted, but yet insurmountable odds. The Klein family was to Wayne Township, as the Wiesbrook family (Harry & Fabiola) was to Naperville/Wheaton, IL. I'm guessing, though unconfirmed, that Wiesbrook Rd. and Wiesbrook Elementary School (bulldozed in 2014) was named after the Wiesbrook family(?). As some of you might recall, Philip W. was married to LS's sister Mary. Loretta W. was married to Doug Spesia (1940 - 2010). Doug was the first individual that met with LS in jail, even before "Father John" showed up (Chicago Tribune - "We've Got Our Man", 02/16/1966). I think Loretta is still living as of this post(?). The majority, if not all of this WS site has been understandably written about Debbie. I can't imagine how Mr. & Mrs. Fijan must have felt after Debbie had been laid to rest; most likely knowing about the two families listed above, and court proceedings in front of them. It's never "what you know, but who you know". Someone, or maybe a few people that served on the Grand Jury, knew someone from the families above. Most likely, they have all passed away by now(?). And then there was State's Atty. William H., and Sheriff Stanley L. I continue to feel terrible for the "representation" that was most likely NEVER GIVEN to Debbie and her family. Too many people "in the pockets of others".

Page 65 - The Naperville Heritage Collection - Illinois Digital Archives (idaillinois.org)

 

[Kayo - 55]

I feel very "inadequate" sometimes after reading someone's obit., and all their "accomplishments". As some of you might know, S & A has been around since the late 19th century, and they have worked with the RCath. Diocese (Joliet) on some of the "sexual abuse" cases.

Douglas Spesia Obituary (2010) - The Herald-News (legacy.com)

 

[Kayo - 55]

I just came across this article re: Debbie's funeral. Some of you may have seen this before. Some of these people/pallbearer's might still be alive. If I recall, a few of them were Schofield's age, and would now be about 80 (12/2020).

"Six Degrees of Separation"

Clipping from Chicago Tribune - Newspapers.com

 

[Kayo - 55]

Per Wayne Township Clerk: 1) LS's older brother John G. Schofield (1933-2004) worked for the WT Highway Department in the 1950's/60's. 2)"In searching the minutes John Schofield (Sr.) appears as Commissioner in 1955 and I (Wayne TS Clerk)) have documents that shows he is HC in 1959. Records are hand written and hard to read". 3) "Henry Van Acker was appointed Interim HC after John Schofield's drowning in 1967" - see below. 4) John Ryvold Jr. was elected as the new HC after Henry Van Acker. John Ryvold at that time, owned the property directly west of John & Edna (Klein) Schofield at Lies & Fair Oaks.

"A special meeting of the Board of Auditors was held on the 6th day of June, 1967 at the Town Clerk. Henry Van Acker, .......
........., Wayne, Illinois was appointed HC to fill the unexpired term of the late John Schofield by the Town Board of Auditors".

As previously posted, I think Mom/wife Edna "wore the pants" in the family, similar to how MAS seemed to "wear the pants" in that family (Loren). Edna may have helped get jobs at the HC for some of her sons, and she (EKleinS) probably helped get her husband elected - IF "normal elections" were held. I'm still trying to get the election results and margins for HC (1950's/60's) from DPC Elections Commission. To date, they have been unable and/or unwillingly to comply with my FOIA request. Hmm................this wasn't like Cook County "elections" in the 1960's. Then again??? Some things never change - HA!

 

[Kayo - 55]

Supposed "conflicts of interest" during Debbie's GJ "Trial". YOU DECIDE, for those of you still following.
1) At the request of LS's Attorney R. Chapski, the first Judge (Fitzgerald) is removed for signing and issuing a search warrant . "Conflict of Interest"?? Isn't that what Judge's do?? I don't remember if the search warrant was for Loren's property, or the Schofield family farm at Lies & Fair Oaks.
BUT YET:
2) State's Attorney William Hopf (lifetime resident of Wheaton, IL) presented/represented "case" for Debbie & family during the GJ. William Hopf worked as a DPC "special deputy sheriff" in 1948, and also worked for the DPCSO in dispatch while in law school. WOW!! UNBELIEVABLE!! AND WTF!! No "conflict of interest"?? Hmm.........His father , a Dentist, was also the Coroner of DPC, but I don't know what time period.

Many of you following Debbie's site have provided a wealth of info., time, and input. Thank you. The old saying most applicable to me: "if you throw enough sh#t on the wall, something might stick". Kind of kidding. Maybe I should copy all the posts from Debbie's WS Site, and deliver them to the DPCSO. I'm quite sure that these posts and copies would probably go unread by the DPCSO. Maybe a PI???

 

[Kayo - 55]

Scroll down to Cold Case Unit if interested. This "report" shows some activity on Debbie's unsolved case, but nothing recent. It's listed as an "open/suspended" investigation.

2018 Annual Report Final (2).pdf

 

[Kayo - 55]

WS Error with the above. If interested, try/Google 2018 Annual Report Final.pub-DuPage County Sheriff. You'll have to open the pdf file.

 

[Winward1]

Hmmm...can you summarize what it says?

 

[Kayo - 55]

Hmmm...can you summarize what it says?

Info. on DF at the above site was on pg. 26 of 87, a rather lengthy report on the DPCSO. Mostly stats on accidents, thefts, the various divisions, rankings/awards, detectives, etc. for 2018. The below info. was "copied" from site.

The following is a review of the current open cold case investigations: Debbie Fijan-Date of Murder February 11, 1966: The Debbie Fijan murder case remains an open/suspended investigation. The suspension status is due to no current leads to follow and other case priorities. Debbie was murdered and her body was found on the shoulder of Lies Road east of Fair Oaks Road in Unincorporated West Chicago. In November of 2012 we met with Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond and reviewed Debbie’s case. Case strategy and research ideas were discussed and the State’s Attorney’s Office has agreed to assist with research. As mentioned in the 2011 report, Bode Technologies was utilized to attempt DNA extraction from a suspects clothing and from Debbie’s clothing. In March of this year, Bode Technologies completed their DNA work and reported that they were unable to locate the victims DNA on a pair of underwear that we submitted. In late December 2012, the Cold Case Unit contacted the Smithsonian Institution’s Feather Identification Laboratory. The Feather Identification Laboratory has agreed to review feathers from this case that may tie a suspect to a stuffed duck found with Debbie’s body. We have sent this feather evidence to the Feather Identification Laboratory. In June of 2014 Det. Wayda and Sgt. Harris traveled to Missouri to attempt to interview Loren Schofield. In 1966, Schofield was originally charged with Debbie’s murder, however the Grand Jury failed to indict him and he was released. We were able to make contact with Schofield at his residence and a brief discussion took place. Schofield stated that he would consider a more in depth interview after first consulting with an attorney. Schofield never contacted our office and attempts to contact him have been met with no return calls or correspondence from him. There were no viable leads on this case in the last 3 years and all physical evidence has been worked by our laboratory or outside laboratories with no leads obtained. This case is remains suspended for the 2017 year pending any new information.

 

[Kayo - 55]

Additional info. from DPCSO 2018 Report (i.e. unsolved cold cases, etc.). Some of this shows the limited amount of staff for the "Cold Case Unit". Still 50 "unsolved cold case murders" at the end of 2018.

The Cold Case Unit of the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for investigating any unnatural death or violent crime against persons that has not been resolved, generally, but not necessarily always, in a period that exceeds one year and is not actively being investigated. Solvability factors are applied to suspended cold cases to assist in identifying cases that can be reopened and actively investigated. In 2018, the Cold Case Unit was supervised by Sergeant D. Two detectives are currently assigned as Cold Case detectives, in addition to their primary duties as case detectives. As 2018 came to a close the Sheriff’s Office currently has fifty unsolved cold case murders and two missing person cases. As indicated in Fig. 1 to the left, the numbers of cold cases has declined in each decade since the 1970’s; with the 1970’s being an anomaly when comparing thirty years before and after that decade. Advances in investigative techniques, such as investigators interview and interrogation skills, along with technological advances in the areas of electronic tracking and data recovery via computers and cellular devices have changed drastically. Additionally, crime scene processing and evidence collection procedures have advanced significantly. Lastly, and along with the aforementioned advances, the ongoing progress in the field of Forensic Science, specifically, the advances in DNA testing, certainly contribute to the higher rate of solved homicides as demonstrated in the Kristina Wesselman case.

 

[Kayo - 55]

In November of 2012 we met with Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond and reviewed Debbie’s case. Case strategy and research ideas were discussed and the State’s Attorney’s Office has agreed to assist with research. As mentioned in the 2011 report, Bode Technologies was utilized to attempt DNA extraction from a suspects clothing and from Debbie’s clothing. In March of this year, Bode Technologies completed their DNA work and reported that they were unable to locate the victims DNA on a pair of underwear that we submitted. In late December 2012, the Cold Case Unit contacted the Smithsonian Institution’s Feather Identification Laboratory. The Feather Identification Laboratory has agreed to review feathers from this case that may tie a suspect to a stuffed duck found with Debbie’s body. We have sent this feather evidence to the Feather Identification Laboratory. In June of 2014 Det. Wayda and Sgt. Harris traveled to Missouri to attempt to interview Loren Schofield.

We were able to make contact with Schofield at his residence and a brief discussion took place. Schofield stated that he would consider a more in depth interview after first consulting with an attorney. Schofield never contacted our office and attempts to contact him have been met with no return calls or correspondence from him.

46 years after Debbie is murdered, her case is presented/reviewed with the Asst. State's Attorney in 2012. While I appreciate LE efforts, I would classify these efforts as "way too little", and "way too late"; especially since Loren S. died in June/2018. His wife, parents, brothers, sister, relatives, Judges/Attorneys/Jurors that heard Debbie's GJ Trial, LE personnel (i.e. DPCSO, WC Police), neighbors, friends, and co-workers/teachers at Benjamin School are most likely deceased by now. Some of them, most likely NEVER INTERVIEWED, may have been alive in 2012.

DPCSO must have known that DNA samples are very fragile and they degrade over time. LS stated that "he would consider a more in depth interview.................REALLY?? What part, if any, of their "brief discussion" with LS did DPCSO believe? Was this "brief discussion" with the same individual that failed SIX lie detector tests in Feb./1966?

Next Generation Forensics: Changing the role DNA plays in the justice system - Science in the News (harvard.edu)

 

[Kayo - 55]

As mentioned in the 2011 report, Bode Technologies was utilized to attempt DNA extraction from a suspects clothing and from Debbie’s clothing. In March of this year Bode Technologies completed their DNA work and reported that they were unable to locate the victims DNA on a pair of underwear that we submitted. In late December 2012, the Cold Case Unit contacted the Smithsonian Institution’s Feather Identification Laboratory. The Feather Identification Laboratory has agreed to review feathers from this case that may tie a suspect to a stuffed duck found with Debbie’s body.

TWO QUESTIONS: Why did DPCSO wait so long to "attempt DNA extraction"? F#@&#D U@! I realize it wasn't available until the mid 1980's, but REALLY? >25 years later? Talk about degradation, probably nothing to test. The same would apply to the feather I.D. in 2012. ANY RESULTS??? DPC taxpayers paid for the tests, just "not worthy" of the results(?). Besides what was described above ("duck found with Debbie's body"), feather's were found in the trunk of Schofield's car that he claimed in 02/1966 that those feathers were from chickens. He supposedly used his car to haul chickens. Study was done to see if feathers in LS's trunk matched the stuffed duck feathers. Hmm.....Just like the boot prints that matched Debbie's boots were found in Schofield's car. BUT YET Loren claimed his wife, MAS, wore boots like Debbie's. Hard to believe the boots of a 29 yr. old woman would be the same size as a 10 yr. old girl. "Who's on first"

The stuffed duck referenced above was used by Debbie for "show & tell" in class. It was mounted, and she had borrowed it from her neighbor.

 

[Cubby]

I had no idea DPCSO visited LS in MO. Nor was I aware the testing done on the underwear and feathers.

I recall reading Debbie was not molested. So, why test the underwear and not the coat or shirt Debbie was wearing which would still have blood evidence available test?

I'm grateful they tested what they have tested. The decision to test for dna doesn't come without risks. I'm no expert, but evidence is destroyed during the process of obtaining dna. Once that bit of evidence is destroyed - its gone forever.

I'm also glad to know God brought the opportunity to do the right thing straight to LS's front door. Brought to him the opportunity to save himself-for the long haul of eternity and couldn't have made it easier for him. Even with that, he couldn't even be bothered with arranging a meeting for he and his attorney with DPCSO.

When someone's actions and words don't match up, believe what they do, not what they say.

I hope LE doesn't give up on dna eventually solving this case. The technology continues to evolve daily.

No answer on anything found with the mounted duck?

 

[Kayo - 55]

I had no idea DPCSO visited LS in MO. Nor was I aware the testing done on the underwear and feathers.

I recall reading Debbie was not molested. So, why test the underwear and not the coat or shirt Debbie was wearing which would still have blood evidence available test?

I'm grateful they tested what they have tested. The decision to test for dna doesn't come without risks. I'm no expert, but evidence is destroyed during the process of obtaining dna. Once that bit of evidence is destroyed - its gone forever.

I'm also glad to know God brought the opportunity to do the right thing straight to LS's front door. Brought to him the opportunity to save himself-for the long haul of eternity and couldn't have made it easier for him. Even with that, he couldn't even be bothered with arranging a meeting for he and his attorney with DPCSO.

When someone's actions and words don't match up, believe what they do, not what they say.

I hope LE doesn't give up on dna eventually solving this case. The technology continues to evolve daily.

No answer on anything found with the mounted duck?

My sentiments exactly Cubby. It was reported very early on that there had not been any sexual abuse and/or molestation between perp & Debbie. If I recall, this was information from Debbie's autopsy. LS would have been 75 in 2014 when "interviewed" by DPCSO staff x 2. "Who knows" what his cognitive state of mind was?? Good question on the results from the Feather I.D. Lab.

Since Debbie's case is listed in the DPCSO 2018 Annual Report as "open/suspended", can information in her case/file be obtained through an FOIA (i.e. lab results on duck feathers, etc.)?? I'm guessing NO, especially given the "run around" I have been given to date by the DPC Elections Commission (i.e. dates "Father John" served as Wayne Township Highway Commissioner, election results, who ran against JS, if/when "John Jr." served, who was appointed after JS drowned, etc.). Legitimacy of election(s)??

 

[Kayo - 55]

"Depressing Stats"

The Crisis of Cold Cases | Office of Justice Programs (ojp.gov)

 

[Cubby]

@Kayo - 55

Open suspended is an interesting status. IDK if they would send any FOIA info. You could try. LS was still a viable POI or they wouldn't have traveled to MO to speak with him.

His blowing off the request to talk with his attorney present speaks volumes. The truth is an interesting thing, it's easy to remember a half century later. A lie is a different story, and if his statement differed from what he said in 1966 it could be used in court.

 

[Kayo - 55]

Does anyone recall the name of the horse farm that was on Fair Oaks or Klein Road back in the 60's, north of St. Charles Rd. if I recall? I think someone posted something on Debbie's site about it, can't remember when. I knew that R. Chapski (deceased) & G. Carbary (deceased) were involved with Schofield's defense during the GJ Trial, but didn't know that Chapski also defended S. Jayne (deceased), who was heavily involved with the "horse racket" in Chicago back during the 50's - 70's. He was even mentioned in the disappearance of candy Heiress H. Brach. Carbary also served as the Kane County State's Attorney. "Father John" and Loren S. contacted Carbary when they found a "fetus" in a box along the edge of the road when they were doing road repairs in Wayne Township after LS was released. Hmm....someone sending a message??NOT A COINCIDENCE. Not sure why I posted this?; although, I've always wondered about the "activities", connections, and outside influence from others on "Father John". Who was protecting who had LS been convicted??? There was another post on DF's site, a young girl under 10 that was sexually assaulted on her property in 1967? She lived on St. Charles Rd., just down the road east of Benjamin School. Her family never reported the incident to the police. They supposedly owned a "race horse", but IDK/was never able to confirm this incident.

 

[Kayo - 55]

R. Chapski (part of LS's defense):
d.o.b. 07/10/1936, d.o.d. 04/11/1996

Only 29 when he represented LS, and 59 when he died. "Interesting"?, if the referral to Chapski was from D. Spesia (1940 - 2010). As you might recall Atty. Spesia, a supposed family friend, was the first individual to meet with LS in jail (Chicago Tribune - "We've Got Our Man"). Chapski, L. Schofield, and Spesia were only 3 years of age of each other. Chapski handling a "major" Grand Jury murder trial, still "wet behind the ears", then S. Jayne (see above post). I wonder if RC ever found a horse head in his bed. Sorry, JUST KIDDING!! I was recently watching some of the old "Godfather" movies. Hmm.......maybe this calls for an ancestry.com or find a grave genealogical name search on RC. RC got the first Judge dismissed for signing a search warrant. What was everybody afraid of (i.e. State's Atty. Hopf, DPC, DPCSD, WC Police, etc. etc. etc.)??

 

[Cubby]

Please note: The report Kayo' posted above mentions nothing about the suspect's dna not being found on tested items. Only that the victim's dna was not found on a piece of evidence.

I wonder what happened to Debbie's coat and shirt which would have dna, if stored properly. Of course, we don't know how evidence was stored.

I will never, ever forget LS had the chance to do something and (figuratively) slammed the door in the face of justice for a murdered child. I don't know how someone who claimed he loved Jesus could behave in that manner. I don't and never will.