A Springfield teenager accused of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his adopted mother on Springfield’s north side early Saturday morning pleaded not guilty in Sangamon County court on Monday.
Jonathan Long, 16, arrived in court wearing a white jumpsuit and handcuffs. He sat with John Dixon, Sangamon County’s associate public defender.
Long was also charged with aggravated domestic battery. Under Illinois law, many offenses, including first-degree murder, are automatically transferred to adult court when a defendant reaches the age of 16.
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In Monday’s court hearing, Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney Kendra Hansel claimed Long stabbed Misty Long, 51, over 100 times in the face, neck, abdomen, arms, and legs. The two lived on the 3000 block of Shadow Fax Drive in the Twin Lakes community.
As the defense sought Long’s release under the pre-trial fairness statute, Hansel outlined three 911 calls made from within the residence, two of which were initiated by the youngster.
During one of those calls, Hansel said Misty Long was clearly struggling with her kid and pleading with him to “stop stabbing her.” Mr. Long continued to stab her while she screamed. Misty Long was transported to Springfield Memorial Hospital for treatment but was later confirmed deceased.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon validated Misty Long’s identity.
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According to Hansel, witnesses told officers that the teenager had previously been abusive with his mother. Hansel told the court that he was brought to a Springfield hospital on Friday for suicide ideation but was later released to his mother.
Dixon argued for Jonathan Long’s pre-trial parole, claiming the adolescent had no juvenile court record and “no history of violence proven or alleged.”
Sangamon County Associate Judge Christopher Perrin granted Dixon’s request for a mental health evaluation for Long.
Perrin also refused Long’s pretrial release.
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for July 18.