Indian Head Park police seek help in murder case

November 1, 2011 (INDIAN HEAD PARK, Ill.)

The high school student was killed last week when she apparently surprised a burglar in her home.

On Tuesday the reward for information was up to $60,000.

Around the clock, at least 40 police officers are assigned to the case of Indian Head Park's first and only murder.

Five days after O'Laughlin was found stabbed to death in her home, detectives are still operating under the theory that the 14-year-old walked in on a burglary in progress.

Police say there was forced entry in the back of the home and the only things taken were limited edition coins.

While police have received over 100 leads, nothing has led to an arrest or suspect.

"We do need a tip or some information," Police Chief Frank Alonzo said. "If anyone knows anything, heard anything, we really ask them to call us."

Alonzo is asking for help beyond the borders of this south western suburb and while detectives follow up on every lead they receive, the chief says they are still in search of the man in the sketch.

"This 14-year-old, defenseless little girl didn't deserve to die in her home," Alonzo said.

O'Laughlin was a freshman at Lyons Township High School. On Tuesday, students wore purple in honor of her favorite color. To remind everyone of the tragedy, the entire community is filled with white ribbons tied around trees.

The visitation for OLlaughlin will be Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 p.m. and the funeral will be held on friday morning

The reward is all from anonymous donors. Alonzo said there were a couple of individual $10,000 donations and he expects that reward to keep going up.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.