A construction worker was indicted on a count of first-degree murder Wednesday in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old Crystal Lake Central High School cheerleader in Burtons Bridge.
State’s Atty. Gary Pack announced that he will seek the death penalty for Dale R. Kauke, 39, who is accused of murdering Beth Bosworth while she was baby-sitting her nephew at her sister’s home on Dec. 18 in Burtons Bridge.
Bosworth’s body was found after firefighters extinguished a blaze in the house.
It was believed that the teen died from smoke inhalation until an autopsy revealed stab wounds on her body.
Pack said that if Kauke, an ex-convict who was arrested Jan. 16, is found guilty of Bosworth’s murder, he would present evidence that suggested the suspect committed at least one other felony by illegally entering the house.
That additional evidence could be enough to persuade a jury to seek the death penalty, he said.
“It is our intention to pursue the death penalty because there is no evidence that he was in the house legally,” Pack said.
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