(WICS/WRSP)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The Springfield teen accused of stabbing his mother to death will spend the rest of his life in custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Authorities say Jonathan Long killed his mother, Misty Long, inside their home in 2024. Jonathan was 16 years at the time. The judge found Long not guilty by reason of insanity, during a bench trial in January.
Friday, Judge John Madonia handed down the maximum time allowed. Long was committed to DHS until June 29th, 2084. He will be transferred to Packard Mental Health Center when bedspace becomes available.
Before handing down his decision, members of Long family delivered victim impact statements. Some say they’ve forgiven Jonathan, while others say it will take time, if ever.
Jennifer Dennison, a cousin of Misty Long, said, “I am trying my hardest not to hate you because Misty wouldn’t me to, but I’m not there yet. A hundred times you chose to stab her, you didn’t stop. You may have stopped loving her at that moment and many others, but she never stopped loving you.”
One member of the family said they saw evidence of abuse by Jonathan before Misty died.
Beth White, Misty’s sister-in-law, said, “There were white marks, bruises, where he abused her, and they tried putting him on medications at that time, and he would not take that.”
Some members of the family said they hope Jonathan is never released from custody.
Amber, a niece of Misty Long, said, “As far as I’m concerned, I hope you never walk out the doors. You’d never, if I had my way, would ever be free, and you are such a young man for that to happen. But, I want you to know that if you ask, Jesus will forgive you.”
Joey Sims, Misty’s brother, echoed hope for Jonathan through religion. He said, “There’s still hope and a future for you, even in the midst of the situation that you’re in, never forget that. I love you; I forgive you, and I know that God still has good things in store for you because even while you did the most horrendous things, the Bible said that while we’re yet sinners, Christ died for us and he loves you very much.”
After the statements, Judge Madonia handed down his decision.
Judge Madonia said, “Mr. Long will be receiving treatment in that secure setting without off-grounds approval of any kind, absent being with facility employees that would likely involve needed medical treatment, but for the time being, this placement will be secure.”
The court found Long was likely to harm again if released, based on the testimony by DHS. Long can appeal the decision within the next 30 days.