Jesse Sumner (Serial Killer)
Illinois Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Illinois, United States
TIME PERIOD
1972-1973
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Jesse Donald Sumner, an American serial killer, was responsible for the murders of three young women near Illinois State University between 1972 and 1973, following his parole for a prior murder in 1963. He was apprehended on July 19, 1973, and subsequently sentenced to multiple lengthy prison terms, serving until his death in 2005. The case is considered solved, with Sumner's convictions confirming his role in the crimes.
The content presents a theory regarding Jesse Sumner's motivations for killing his accomplice, Herschel Williams, suggesting that it stemmed from a personal conflict over threats made against Sumner's family. Additionally, there is speculation about the psychological impact of Sumner's criminal history and prison escapes, which may have contributed to his violent behavior and subsequent murders of three young women. The narrative hints at a pattern of escalating violence linked to his unstable relationships and criminal lifestyle.
Jesse Sumner: The Chilling Story of a Serial Killer
Overview
Jesse Donald Sumner (January 9, 1937 – December 4, 2005) was an American serial killer whose heinous acts spanned the early 1970s, claiming the lives of three young women in the vicinity of Illinois State University. This dark chapter in true crime history follows Sumner's earlier conviction for murder and his tumultuous journey through the criminal justice system, which included multiple prison escapes and a shocking series of murders post-parole. Sumner's life came to an end in prison, but the legacy of his crimes continues to haunt the community.
Quick Facts
- Born: January 9, 1937, McLean, Illinois, U.S.
- Died: December 4, 2005 (aged 68), Stateville Correctional Center, Crest Hill, Illinois, U.S.
- Crimes: Murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, assault, robbery, attempted murder, incest
- Criminal Penalty: 35-to-75 years imprisonment (commuted to 10-to-15 years in 1964); 100-to-200 years imprisonment (two counts); 50-to-100 years imprisonment (one count)
- Victims: 4
- Span of Crimes: 1963–1973
- Date Apprehended: July 19, 1973
Early Crimes and the Murder of Herschel Williams
In the early 1960s, Sumner teamed up with 40-year-old Herschel Williams Jr. for a series of robberies that included the Farmers State Bank in Heyworth and a credit union in Bloomington. Their partnership soured when Sumner alleged that Williams threatened his family. On March 25, 1963, tensions reached a boiling point when Williams visited Sumner at his barber shop in Danville.
During what began as a simple haircut, Sumner brutally slashed Williams' throat with a razor. In a chilling display of calculated malice, he cleaned up the crime scene, stuffed Williams' body into a 55-gallon barrel, encased it in concrete, and buried it in a landfill in Bloomington. Initially, Sumner was arrested for robbing the credit union and sentenced to a mere 2-to-5 years. However, on June 1, 1964, authorities discovered the barrels containing Williams' remains, leading to charges for murder.
As Sumner was escorted out of the Springfield jail, he attempted a desperate escape but was apprehended almost immediately.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Despite Sumner's insistence that he was innocent, the prosecution presented compelling evidence against him. They highlighted that Sumner had purchased two barrels, one of which contained the body of Williams. Notably, Williams' wife identified a wallet found with the remains, and two inmates, Larry F. Myers and John Curtis, testified that Sumner had confessed to them about the murder.
Sumner's defense attempted to discredit the testimonies, arguing that the inmates were given leniency in exchange for their statements. Nevertheless, the court found Sumner guilty, and he was sentenced to 35-to-75 years in prison.
Parole and the Start of a New Killing Spree
After years of legal battles, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Sumner's conviction in 1969, leading him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter instead of facing a new trial. His sentence was reduced to 10-to-15 years, and due to good behavior, Sumner was paroled in January 1972 after serving just 6.5 years.
Initially, he appeared to be a model parolee, finding work and enrolling as a junior at Illinois State University. However, during this time, he began to hunt for new victims among the university's student population.
The first was 19-year-old Corene Marie Burchie, who vanished on April 19, 1972, and whose body was discovered in a shallow grave the next day. She had been strangled. Then, on December 22, 20-year-old Rae Ann Schneider disappeared after her shift at a Steak 'n Shake. Shortly after, 18-year-old Dawn Marie Huwe went missing near a bus stop close to the ISU campus on May 28, 1973. The community was in a state of panic, with little to no leads on the whereabouts of these young women.
Arrest and Interrogation
On July 19, 1973, Sumner was arrested for violating his parole after his wife reported severe domestic abuse that required hospitalization. While incarcerated, authorities began questioning him about the disappearances of the young women. His inconsistent answers raised suspicions, particularly regarding Huwe's case, which led to further investigation. Sumner was also charged with aggravated incest for the sexual abuse of his daughter during this time.
Days later, Sumner shockingly contacted the sheriff's office, offering to reveal the locations of the bodies. Initially, he failed to lead them to the graves, but he eventually directed them to the remains of Schneider and Huwe, buried in shallow graves—one under his garage in Stanford and the other in a ditch near Danvers. Both women had suffered blunt force trauma, and forensic evidence would later confirm their identities through dental records.
Sumner was swiftly charged with multiple counts of murder.
Attempts to Escape and Incarceration
While awaiting trial, Sumner made several escape attempts, including sawing through his cell bars—an endeavor that failed. Due to his escalating attempts, authorities moved him to the more secure Cook County Jail in Chicago. However, on the way there, he tried to seize a deputy's firearm but was thwarted again.
In September 1973, a jury indicted Sumner for the murders of Huwe and Schneider, but during pre-trial hearings, he pleaded not guilty. His defense attorney filed motions to dismiss charges based on conflicting jurisdiction claims, which were granted. However, this delay allowed law enforcement to gather even more evidence against him.
While awaiting trial, Sumner attempted yet another escape by sawing through his cell door, injuring a deputy sheriff in the process. This resulted in additional charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery against him.
Finally, in September 1974, Sumner unexpectedly pleaded guilty to the murders of Huwe and Schneider, receiving two consecutive sentences of 100-to-200 years, in addition to a 50-to-100 year sentence for Burchie's murder.
Life in Prison and Assault
On February 10, 1981, while serving time at the Menard Correctional Center, Sumner was attacked by another inmate, Michael Drabing, who stabbed him with a shank. Sumner required 17 stitches and a week in the hospital but ultimately recovered. Drabing, who claimed self-defense, was not believed and received an additional 30-year sentence.
Parole Hearings and Final Escape Attempt
In 1983, during a parole hearing, Sumner refused to testify, and relatives of his victims urged the board to deny his release, fearing he would remain a danger to society. In 1988, he was scheduled to visit a doctor for a hearing aid fitting but managed to escape by taking two guards hostage with a homemade pistol. He fled to southern Kendall County, where he released one hostage but continued to hold another until he was apprehended in Sycamore after stealing a truck. The surviving hostage managed to jump from the vehicle, suffering only minor injuries.
The families of his victims were horrified by the escape, criticizing the lax security measures during his transport.
Death
Sumner remained incarcerated at the Stateville Correctional Center until he died of an undisclosed illness on December 4, 2005. His death caught many by surprise, including the families of his victims and investigators, who had believed he had passed years earlier.
See Also
- List of serial killers in the United States
Sources
- "Trial Testimony May End Today" . The Pantagraph . November 21, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- "JURY RULES MAN GUILTY OF MURDER" . Herald & Review . November 23, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Briefly Out of Jail" . The Pantagraph . August 15, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- "SLAYER SENTENCED" . Herald & Review . January 21, 1965 – via Newspapers.com.
- Mark Spencer (August 7, 1973). "Third murder charge filed against Sumner" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- "Find Bodies Of 2 Young Women In Shallow Graves" . Mt. Vernon Register-News . August 6, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Man Held In Investigation Now Charged With Incest" . Herald & Review . August 2, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- Dave Haake (August 6, 1973). "Sumned named in 2 murder complaints" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- "Coeds Discovered In Shallow Grave" . The Register-Mail . August 6, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Murder suspect arraigned" . Chicago Tribune . August 7, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Charged With 3rd Murder" . Herald & Review . August 8, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Accused Slayer Moved After Escape Attempt" . The Dispatch . August 9, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Moved to Cook County Jail" . Herald & Review . August 10, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Competency Hearing Asked For Sumner" . Herald & Review . August 15, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Jury Indicts Sumner" . Herald & Review . September 7, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner enters innocent plea" . The Journal Gazette . September 13, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Escape Attempt Thwarted" . Herald & Review . September 19, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Dismissal sought for Sumner" . The Pantagraph . October 2, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "2 Sumner charges get continuance" . The Pantagraph . November 7, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner to Appear For Arraignment" . The Southern Illinoisan . November 14, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Convicted Murderer Tries Escape Again" . Herald & Review . June 6, 1974 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Pleads Guilty In Murder Of Two Coeds" . Mt. Vernon Register-News . September 10, 1974 – via Newspapers.com.
- Mary Ann Flick (March 4, 1981). "Drabing charged in Sumner 'ambush'" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Mary Ann Flick (June 4, 1981). "Drabing sentenced to 30 years" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Bob Holliday (March 10, 1983). "Sumner refuses to testify" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Bernie Schoenburg (February 22, 1986). "Man's parole block urged by relatives" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Jerry Crimmins and Joseph Sjostrom (September 27, 1988). "INMATE CAPTURED AFTER WILD ESCAPE" . Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023.
- Bob Holliday and Sharon Gilfand (September 27, 1988). "Families horrified after escape, say Sumner's transport ill-advised" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Scott Richardson (December 15, 2005). "Local murderer dies in prison" . The Pantagraph. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023.
For a deeper dive into the complexities of Jesse Sumner’s chilling life and crimes, check out the original Wikipedia article.
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Murder of Herschel Williams
Jesse Sumner murders his accomplice Herschel Williams and conceals the body.
Body Discovered
Authorities locate the body of Herschel Williams encased in concrete.
Convicted of Murder
Jesse Sumner is found guilty of the murder of Herschel Williams.
First Victim Disappears
19-year-old Corene Marie Burchie goes missing near Illinois State University.
Second Victim Disappears
18-year-old Dawn Marie Huwe vanishes near a bus stop close to ISU.
Arrested for Parole Violation
Sumner is arrested after his wife reports domestic violence; linked to disappearances.
Leads to Bodies
Sumner offers to show authorities where he buried the bodies of Schneider and Huwe.
Pleads Guilty
Sumner pleads guilty to the murders of Huwe and Schneider, receiving multiple sentences.
Death in Prison
Jesse Sumner dies from an undisclosed illness while serving his sentences.
Jesse Donald Sumner, an American serial killer, was responsible for the murders of three young women near Illinois State University between 1972 and 1973, following his parole for a prior murder in 1963. He was apprehended on July 19, 1973, and subsequently sentenced to multiple lengthy prison terms, serving until his death in 2005. The case is considered solved, with Sumner's convictions confirming his role in the crimes.
The content presents a theory regarding Jesse Sumner's motivations for killing his accomplice, Herschel Williams, suggesting that it stemmed from a personal conflict over threats made against Sumner's family. Additionally, there is speculation about the psychological impact of Sumner's criminal history and prison escapes, which may have contributed to his violent behavior and subsequent murders of three young women. The narrative hints at a pattern of escalating violence linked to his unstable relationships and criminal lifestyle.
Jesse Sumner: The Chilling Story of a Serial Killer
Overview
Jesse Donald Sumner (January 9, 1937 – December 4, 2005) was an American serial killer whose heinous acts spanned the early 1970s, claiming the lives of three young women in the vicinity of Illinois State University. This dark chapter in true crime history follows Sumner's earlier conviction for murder and his tumultuous journey through the criminal justice system, which included multiple prison escapes and a shocking series of murders post-parole. Sumner's life came to an end in prison, but the legacy of his crimes continues to haunt the community.
Quick Facts
- Born: January 9, 1937, McLean, Illinois, U.S.
- Died: December 4, 2005 (aged 68), Stateville Correctional Center, Crest Hill, Illinois, U.S.
- Crimes: Murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, assault, robbery, attempted murder, incest
- Criminal Penalty: 35-to-75 years imprisonment (commuted to 10-to-15 years in 1964); 100-to-200 years imprisonment (two counts); 50-to-100 years imprisonment (one count)
- Victims: 4
- Span of Crimes: 1963–1973
- Date Apprehended: July 19, 1973
Early Crimes and the Murder of Herschel Williams
In the early 1960s, Sumner teamed up with 40-year-old Herschel Williams Jr. for a series of robberies that included the Farmers State Bank in Heyworth and a credit union in Bloomington. Their partnership soured when Sumner alleged that Williams threatened his family. On March 25, 1963, tensions reached a boiling point when Williams visited Sumner at his barber shop in Danville.
During what began as a simple haircut, Sumner brutally slashed Williams' throat with a razor. In a chilling display of calculated malice, he cleaned up the crime scene, stuffed Williams' body into a 55-gallon barrel, encased it in concrete, and buried it in a landfill in Bloomington. Initially, Sumner was arrested for robbing the credit union and sentenced to a mere 2-to-5 years. However, on June 1, 1964, authorities discovered the barrels containing Williams' remains, leading to charges for murder.
As Sumner was escorted out of the Springfield jail, he attempted a desperate escape but was apprehended almost immediately.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Despite Sumner's insistence that he was innocent, the prosecution presented compelling evidence against him. They highlighted that Sumner had purchased two barrels, one of which contained the body of Williams. Notably, Williams' wife identified a wallet found with the remains, and two inmates, Larry F. Myers and John Curtis, testified that Sumner had confessed to them about the murder.
Sumner's defense attempted to discredit the testimonies, arguing that the inmates were given leniency in exchange for their statements. Nevertheless, the court found Sumner guilty, and he was sentenced to 35-to-75 years in prison.
Parole and the Start of a New Killing Spree
After years of legal battles, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Sumner's conviction in 1969, leading him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter instead of facing a new trial. His sentence was reduced to 10-to-15 years, and due to good behavior, Sumner was paroled in January 1972 after serving just 6.5 years.
Initially, he appeared to be a model parolee, finding work and enrolling as a junior at Illinois State University. However, during this time, he began to hunt for new victims among the university's student population.
The first was 19-year-old Corene Marie Burchie, who vanished on April 19, 1972, and whose body was discovered in a shallow grave the next day. She had been strangled. Then, on December 22, 20-year-old Rae Ann Schneider disappeared after her shift at a Steak 'n Shake. Shortly after, 18-year-old Dawn Marie Huwe went missing near a bus stop close to the ISU campus on May 28, 1973. The community was in a state of panic, with little to no leads on the whereabouts of these young women.
Arrest and Interrogation
On July 19, 1973, Sumner was arrested for violating his parole after his wife reported severe domestic abuse that required hospitalization. While incarcerated, authorities began questioning him about the disappearances of the young women. His inconsistent answers raised suspicions, particularly regarding Huwe's case, which led to further investigation. Sumner was also charged with aggravated incest for the sexual abuse of his daughter during this time.
Days later, Sumner shockingly contacted the sheriff's office, offering to reveal the locations of the bodies. Initially, he failed to lead them to the graves, but he eventually directed them to the remains of Schneider and Huwe, buried in shallow graves—one under his garage in Stanford and the other in a ditch near Danvers. Both women had suffered blunt force trauma, and forensic evidence would later confirm their identities through dental records.
Sumner was swiftly charged with multiple counts of murder.
Attempts to Escape and Incarceration
While awaiting trial, Sumner made several escape attempts, including sawing through his cell bars—an endeavor that failed. Due to his escalating attempts, authorities moved him to the more secure Cook County Jail in Chicago. However, on the way there, he tried to seize a deputy's firearm but was thwarted again.
In September 1973, a jury indicted Sumner for the murders of Huwe and Schneider, but during pre-trial hearings, he pleaded not guilty. His defense attorney filed motions to dismiss charges based on conflicting jurisdiction claims, which were granted. However, this delay allowed law enforcement to gather even more evidence against him.
While awaiting trial, Sumner attempted yet another escape by sawing through his cell door, injuring a deputy sheriff in the process. This resulted in additional charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery against him.
Finally, in September 1974, Sumner unexpectedly pleaded guilty to the murders of Huwe and Schneider, receiving two consecutive sentences of 100-to-200 years, in addition to a 50-to-100 year sentence for Burchie's murder.
Life in Prison and Assault
On February 10, 1981, while serving time at the Menard Correctional Center, Sumner was attacked by another inmate, Michael Drabing, who stabbed him with a shank. Sumner required 17 stitches and a week in the hospital but ultimately recovered. Drabing, who claimed self-defense, was not believed and received an additional 30-year sentence.
Parole Hearings and Final Escape Attempt
In 1983, during a parole hearing, Sumner refused to testify, and relatives of his victims urged the board to deny his release, fearing he would remain a danger to society. In 1988, he was scheduled to visit a doctor for a hearing aid fitting but managed to escape by taking two guards hostage with a homemade pistol. He fled to southern Kendall County, where he released one hostage but continued to hold another until he was apprehended in Sycamore after stealing a truck. The surviving hostage managed to jump from the vehicle, suffering only minor injuries.
The families of his victims were horrified by the escape, criticizing the lax security measures during his transport.
Death
Sumner remained incarcerated at the Stateville Correctional Center until he died of an undisclosed illness on December 4, 2005. His death caught many by surprise, including the families of his victims and investigators, who had believed he had passed years earlier.
See Also
- List of serial killers in the United States
Sources
- "Trial Testimony May End Today" . The Pantagraph . November 21, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- "JURY RULES MAN GUILTY OF MURDER" . Herald & Review . November 23, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Briefly Out of Jail" . The Pantagraph . August 15, 1964 – via Newspapers.com.
- "SLAYER SENTENCED" . Herald & Review . January 21, 1965 – via Newspapers.com.
- Mark Spencer (August 7, 1973). "Third murder charge filed against Sumner" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- "Find Bodies Of 2 Young Women In Shallow Graves" . Mt. Vernon Register-News . August 6, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Man Held In Investigation Now Charged With Incest" . Herald & Review . August 2, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- Dave Haake (August 6, 1973). "Sumned named in 2 murder complaints" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- "Coeds Discovered In Shallow Grave" . The Register-Mail . August 6, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Murder suspect arraigned" . Chicago Tribune . August 7, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Charged With 3rd Murder" . Herald & Review . August 8, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Accused Slayer Moved After Escape Attempt" . The Dispatch . August 9, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Moved to Cook County Jail" . Herald & Review . August 10, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Competency Hearing Asked For Sumner" . Herald & Review . August 15, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Jury Indicts Sumner" . Herald & Review . September 7, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner enters innocent plea" . The Journal Gazette . September 13, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Escape Attempt Thwarted" . Herald & Review . September 19, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Dismissal sought for Sumner" . The Pantagraph . October 2, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "2 Sumner charges get continuance" . The Pantagraph . November 7, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner to Appear For Arraignment" . The Southern Illinoisan . November 14, 1973 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Convicted Murderer Tries Escape Again" . Herald & Review . June 6, 1974 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Sumner Pleads Guilty In Murder Of Two Coeds" . Mt. Vernon Register-News . September 10, 1974 – via Newspapers.com.
- Mary Ann Flick (March 4, 1981). "Drabing charged in Sumner 'ambush'" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Mary Ann Flick (June 4, 1981). "Drabing sentenced to 30 years" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Bob Holliday (March 10, 1983). "Sumner refuses to testify" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Bernie Schoenburg (February 22, 1986). "Man's parole block urged by relatives" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Jerry Crimmins and Joseph Sjostrom (September 27, 1988). "INMATE CAPTURED AFTER WILD ESCAPE" . Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023.
- Bob Holliday and Sharon Gilfand (September 27, 1988). "Families horrified after escape, say Sumner's transport ill-advised" . The Pantagraph – via Newspapers.com.
- Scott Richardson (December 15, 2005). "Local murderer dies in prison" . The Pantagraph. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023.
For a deeper dive into the complexities of Jesse Sumner’s chilling life and crimes, check out the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Murder of Herschel Williams
Jesse Sumner murders his accomplice Herschel Williams and conceals the body.
Body Discovered
Authorities locate the body of Herschel Williams encased in concrete.
Convicted of Murder
Jesse Sumner is found guilty of the murder of Herschel Williams.
First Victim Disappears
19-year-old Corene Marie Burchie goes missing near Illinois State University.
Second Victim Disappears
18-year-old Dawn Marie Huwe vanishes near a bus stop close to ISU.
Arrested for Parole Violation
Sumner is arrested after his wife reports domestic violence; linked to disappearances.
Leads to Bodies
Sumner offers to show authorities where he buried the bodies of Schneider and Huwe.
Pleads Guilty
Sumner pleads guilty to the murders of Huwe and Schneider, receiving multiple sentences.
Death in Prison
Jesse Sumner dies from an undisclosed illness while serving his sentences.