W E D N E S D A Y
April 16, 2025 Vol. 45, No. 41
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JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
Spring S g 202 2 2025
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Easter guide Page 19
Five years later, Jones/Johnson Metra reasserts control of murders remain an open case Oak Park train station
Oak Park police say they’re still following new leads in the case of Tom Johnson and Leslie Ann Jones, killed in 2020
But destination of unhoused individuals who had been there is a mystery; action is criticized by Housing Forward
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
It’s been five years since Oak Park was stunned by one of the most appalling crimes in the village’s history. On April 13, 2020, beloved Oak Park attorneys and philanthropists Tom Johnson and Leslie Jones were stabbed to death in their home on Fair Oaks Avenue in the village. An autopsy revealed that both husband and wife had been stabbed more than a dozen times. The community was left to mourn two individuals remembered as beacons of light advocating for criminal justice reform, fair housing, support for children and opportunities for local artists. Police at the time described the circumstances as “suspicious” but maintained that the murders were a targeted, isolated incident. Officials said Oak See MURDER CASE on page 16
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
PROVIDED BY FAMILY
Metra police resumed operational control of the Oak Park commuter train station at 1115 North Blvd. as of April 1, in response to trespassing within the station by unhoused individuals. According to a Metra Police Department spokesperson, as many as 20 unhoused people at one time were in the facility, which generated complaints from riders about trespassing, litter, smoking and drug use. Metra police are now regularly patrolling the station, which is also the location of the CTA’s Green Line Harlem/Lake stop. “Metra previously had an agreement with Oak Park to maintain and secure the facility,” the spokesperson said. “That agreement had expired but continued while
Leslie Ann Jones and Thomas Johnson
See TRAIN STATION on page 10
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