A Lake County man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of his pregnant stepmother. 26-year-old Ian Anselmo received the sentence after being found guilty of second-degree murder and killing an unborn child by injury to the mother.
“Today, we hold accountable a defendant who chose to take the life of his pregnant stepmother in 2019. This tragic case is a sobering reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of protecting the vulnerable,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as we seek to ensure that such acts of cruelty are met with the full force of the law.”
READ: Oklahoma Grandmother Gets 45 Years For Brutal Murder Of 3-Year-Old Granddaughter
The tragic incident occurred on March 13, 2019, at Greenwood Cemetery. Anselmo strangled his stepmother, 39-year-old Sue Ellen Anselmo, with a cord. Despite being found at the scene and admitting to the crime, Anselmo later claimed he didn’t remember the attack, only the argument that preceded it.
Sue Ellen Anselmo tragically passed away five days later from her injuries.
Anselmo’s defense attempted to pursue an insanity defense, but the jury ultimately rejected it, finding him guilty on both counts.
Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Camuccio and Thomas Wieczorek successfully prosecuted the case.
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