St. Louis Man’s Fatal Encounter with Teen in Costume

A tragic incident occurred in East St. Louis, Illinois, involving the death of a 78-year-old man, John Wesley Allen. Authorities and family members believe Allen was on one of his spontaneous visits to his elder sister when he was fatally attacked by a teenager disguised in a clown costume.

Incident Details

John Wesley Allen, a regular visitor to his sister Delores Fowler, was found dead near a bus stop he often frequented to surprise her. His sister recounted how Allen never announced his visits beforehand. Instead, he would simply call to ask if she was home, then meet her at the MetroLink station or bus stop. This information was shared by Fowler during an interview with NBC News.

Background

Allen, a retired bus driver from St. Louis, drove for Metro Transit from 1977 to 1994. His family and friends described him as a friendly individual who enjoyed public transit despite their concerns for his safety. His late wife, Yvonne Allen, passed away in 2019 at age 65.

A 15-year-old boy faces charges related to Allen’s murder. The authorities say there were no known ties between Allen and the suspect.

Family Reactions

Allen’s niece, Tania Stanford, expressed concern over his unannounced visits but acknowledged his love for being around people. She described him as a joyful and generous person.

Discovery of the news about Allen’s death came as a shock to his loved ones. Initially, Fowler did not realize that the ‘Wesley Allen’ mentioned in the news was her brother, as she knew him as ‘John Wesley Allen.’

Law enforcement has handed the investigation to Illinois State Police. No comments have been released by the state authorities, and representation for the suspect remains unclear.

Fowler expressed a desire for the suspect to be tried as an adult, emphasizing the senselessness of the act. The community continues to seek answers for this tragic loss.