Lockport man convicted of murder after beating elderly father

in

December 2

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that a jury on Friday found a Lockport man guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his elderly father.

Scott Sullivan, 58, of 928 E. First Street, Lockport also was found guilty of aggravated battery to a senior citizen at the conclusion of the four-day trial. He faces between 20 and 60 years in prison when he is sentenced by Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak on February 29.

Sullivan beat his 86-year-old father, Fred Sullivan, about the head and body on July 18, 2010. He died as a result of his injuries four months later in November.

The beating left Fred Sullivan, a World War II veteran who suffered from age-related dementia and who required supervision and care, unable to walk or talk in the months before he died. He also required a feeding tube for nourishment after the beating.

“Fred Sullivan suffered a horrific beating at the hands of his own son,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “Scott Sullivan betrayed his father by physically abusing him rather than providing the compassionate and loving care this World War II veteran so richly deserved in his senior years.”

Paramedics responding to Scott Sullivan’s home in July 2010 found a severely bruised Fred Sullivan lying on the floor. Scott Sullivan, who was drinking a beer, told paramedics and Will County Sheriff’s Department detectives that his father had fallen.

However, a forensic pathologist testified at trial that Fred Sullivan had suffered extensive bruising that the 5-foot, 4-inch, 140-pound man could not have sustained in a single fall. There were bruises on his head, torso and legs. His right eye was swollen shut and his lip was bruised. In addition, Fred Sullivan’s blood was found throughout the living room and dining room. 

Scott Sullivan had been alone with his father prior to the arrival of paramedics and detectives.    

Glasgow credited Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Fitzgerald, Jim Long and Heather Meyers as well as Will County Sheriff’s Detectives with securing a conviction in this case.

“Everyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case went the extra mile,” the State’s Attorney said. “These prosecutors and detectives all know we cannot allow this kind of violence to be inflicted upon our senior citizens.”