Illinois Man Killed Mother for Refusing to Buy Avril Lavigne Concert Tickets
An Illinois man was found guilty of stabbing his mother to death after a fight ensued over Avril Lavigne concert tickets. A Dupage County jury deliberated for only two hours before finding Robert Lyons, 39, guilty of first-degree murder of his mother, Linda Bolek.
Lyons stabbed his mother nine times in the back and then doused her body with household cleaning solutions in 2008, Fox News reported. Bolek's body was found lying on the floor of the condo she and her boyfriend shared with Lyons.
The week-long trial revealed that Lyons had a lot of pent up anger against his mother, and became furious when she refused to call a friend to obtain tickets to a 2008 Avril Lavigne concert.
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"The defendant was washing something away," Assistant State's Attorney Amanda Meindl told the jury during her closing arguments, according to the Chicago Tribune. "He was washing away the problem in his life, his mother," she added.
Lyons' attorney never denied Lyons killed his mother, but argued that the 39-year-old's actions only amounted to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
"You're not doing him any favors by convicting him of second-degree murder," Assistant Public Defender Mark Lyon told the jury, according to The Chicago Tribune.
Meindl convinced jurors during the trial that the lesser charge was not sufficient considering Lyons' actions and relationship with his mother.
"She gave you life and you took hers and you're guilty of first degree murder," Meindl said.
The jury determined Lyons exhibited wanton cruelty, which makes him eligible for life in prison. Lyons showed no emotion after the jury delivered their verdict.
Bolek's twin sister agreed with the verdict saying.
"She was a good mother," Pat Lowry said of her sister, according to the Daily Herald. "She did the best she could."
Judge Kathryn Creswell, who presided over the trial, set Lyons' sentencing for Nov. 22.
