Part 1 – Tom Lingenfelter Tells Why Mark Smith, His Sister’s Murderer, Should Remain in Jail

McHenry County’s infamous serial killer, Mark Smith, is trying to get out of jail.

Every three years he is eligible to apply for parole for his 1970-era murders.

One was Jean Ann Lingenfelter.

Because it deserves to be accessible by more than just the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, McHenry County Blog is publishing Jean Ann’s brother’s letter urging Smith be required to his 500-year prison sentence. I have added paragraphs to make the letter easier to read. It was sent to Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Investigator Joanne Ryan for forwarding to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.

“Attention Parole Board for inmate Mark Smith IDOC #C-10587

“To whom it may concern:

My name is Tom Lingenfelter. I am one of the two brothers of Jean Ann Lingenfelter who was raped and murdered May 28th, 1970 by Mark Smith.

“Since that time, my older bother Jimmy and my mother Betty have both passed away, leaving my father and myself as the last members of our immediate family.

“I would like to take a moment to tell you what it means to have a family member taken away from you at such a young age.

“At the time of my sister’s death I was 15 years old, one week from turning 16. That evening I remember seeing my sister leaving for the evening to go visit her friend. Not only was it one week from my 16th birthday, it was also only one week away from her High School graduation.

“At 17 years old she had her whole life ahead of h er.

“Thinking back to that night and seeing her driving away it never crossed my mind that it would be the last time I would ever see her.

“We were only two years apart and were very close growing up. When we were younger she was always there to watch over me and take care of me.

“Later than night, my father came in to my room and told me that it was very late and Jean Ann was not home yet. He asked me to go with him to go out looking for her.

“We lived in a relatively small town so there weren’t too many places she could go that at least someone would have seen her.

“We drove around for a couple of hours until we finally found her car parked at the city hall. We had a spare set of keys with us so I drove the car home.

“By this time, it was very late and still no word from her. I finally decided to law down and try to go to sleep.

“Several hours later my brother comes to my room to wake me up. Standing behind him was Nena, our Foreign Exchange Student that had been living with our family that school year.

“She and Jean Ann were seniors together all year and were suppose(d) to graduate together.

“At that moment, Jimmy looks down at me with the most serious look on his face and tells me,

‘They found Jean Ann; she was in the lake with something wrapped around her neck. She’s dead.”

“With that I remember seeing Nena running off to her room crying and Jimmy ran after her to talk to her. I sat on my bed for what seemed like hours not saying a word.

“It really did not seem possible; maybe I was waiting to wake up from this night mare.

“A little while later my mom and dad came home from the Police station.

“I will never forget the look on their faces. Both of them were as white as can be and neither of them could say a word to me.

“What can you say?”

Part 2 tomorrow.

For those wishing to communicate to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board should send letters about inmate Mark Smith, the address is 319 E. Madison, Suite A, Springfield, IL 62701. Be sure to include Smith’s inmate number: C10587.


Comments

Part 1 – Tom Lingenfelter Tells Why Mark Smith, His Sister’s Murderer, Should Remain in Jail — 1 Comment

  1. This comment is for Tom Lingenfelter: Tom, you and I worked together when your sister was murdered by this monster. I remember you a nice young man who would never miss a day of work. I knew the next morning that something was wrong when you didn’t come in. My prayers have been with you and your family for the last 38 years and I know, by the Grace of God, that this creature will never walk amoung as a free man. I am still and always will be here for you. God Bless.

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