Jade Marie Beasley was just eleven years old when she was found murdered December 5, 2020 in Marion, Williamson County, Illinois. Her stepmother, Julia, who lived in the residence at 11304 Songbird Road with Jade and Jade's father, has been charged and is facing a murder trial on three counts of first-degree murder. The cause of death was loss of blood from multiple stab wounds. Jade died at the scene.
29-year-old Julia Elaine Bevely is being accused in Jade's murder. She was the only one with Jade at the time of the murder. Jade's father was at work at the time.
Julia made the initial 911 call and told police she left the residence, leaving Jade alone in the house for a short time and when she returned home an unknown man went running from the home. The investigation proved her story to be untrue. This is when she lawyered up.
Bevely is facing a 20 to 120 year sentence. Her bond is set at $2 Million.
The investigation included the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, the Illinois State Police and the Williamson County State's Attorney.
A candle light vigil was held in Jade's honor at the Williamson County Fairgrounds at 101 North Fair Street. She was buried at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.
COURT
The jury trial was set for the week of February 6, 2023.
WSIL TV reported that on day 4 of the trial, one of the investigators testified that blood reactive ultraviolet chemicals were sprayed in the home in order to trace blood invisible to the naked eye, in which only three rooms in the Bevely/Beasley residence did not contain blood. Jade's body had bite marks, none of which Jade made herself, as Bevely reported.
The Southern Illinois reported that Matt Deschamps, a member of the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, testified that the chemical made several more areas of blood visible in the home. Some of those spots were bloody footprints in the hallway, kitchen floor, master bedroom and living room. The chemical also made images of bloody handprints in the main bathroom more visible.
The crime scene was 'cleaned' prior to law enforcement entering the home.
Inside Bevly's vehicle, more red blood like substance was located on the steering wheel cover, and on the rear, and front of the door and on the driver’s door handle.
Most law enforcement agents that entered the home noticed that the blood they found throughout the residence was 'dried'. Some said it was the most amount of blood they'd ever seen at a crime scene. There was no blood found outside, negating what Bevly said regarding a stranger coming in to the residence to stab Jade to her death.
February 15, 2023, after only 1 1/2 hours of jury deliberations, Bevly was found guilty of murdering Jade. Sentencing will follow next month. We thank the State Attorney's Office, the Illinois State Police and the Investigators for the due diligence in ensuring the charge and conviction in justice for Jade. While it will never bring Jade home, we pray that this will bring each of the family members a bit of peace, and the end of a long and horrific chapter in their lives.
Rest in Peace dear Jade.
OBITUARY
Jade Marie Beasley, age 11, of Marion, passed from this life on to her Heavenly home on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
The daughter of Jessica Marie (Mandrell) Bradley and Gregory Michael Beasley, Jade was born in Marion on August 3, 2009. She was a sixth grader at Marion Junior High School.
Funny, smart, and sassy, Jade liked playing outside and swimming. She enjoyed art, drawing, painting, and playing video games. Jade loved her friends, adored her pets, and cherished her siblings.
Survivors include her mother- Jessica Marie and Seth Bradley of Marion
Father- Michael Beasley of Marion
Brother- Jayden Bevely of Marion
Sister- Myla Beasley of Marion
Sister- Rayne Beasley of Marion
Sister- Everleigh Bradley of Marion
Maternal Grandparents- Steve and Susan Mandrell of Marion
Paternal Grandparents- Greg and Sheila Beasley of Marion
Maternal Great Grandparents- Jerral and Thelma Edmondson of Marion
Maternal Great Grandmother- Peggy Neu of Gadston, Alabama
Paternal Great Grandfather- Hubert Mandrell of Crab Orchard
Paternal Great Grandmother- Wendy Washer of Marion
Uncle- Nicolas and Jade Mandrell of Marion
Aunt- Kim and Cody Teeling of Marion
Numerous Cousins, Great Aunts, and Great Uncles
Private funeral services for Jade’s family and friends will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Marion First Baptist Church. Dr. Bob Dickerson will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00am until 1:00pm at the Marion First Baptist Church. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with final arrangements.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the family. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the services or may be mailed to Blue Funeral Home; 1704 N. Court Street; Marion, IL 62959.
Due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, social distancing, the wearing of masks, and temperature taking will be required.
For additional information or to sign the guest memorial register please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com.
Rest in Peace sweet Jade.