Sandra Kolalou, a 37-year-old Chicago woman, has been found guilty of killing and dismembering her landlord, Frances Walker, and hiding some of the victim’s remains in a freezer at the boarding house where she lived. A Cook County jury convicted Kolalou late Monday on all charges, including first-degree murder, dismembering a body, concealing a homicidal death, and aggravated identity theft. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 20.
According to prosecutors, the horrific crime occurred in October 2022, after Walker, 69, had served Kolalou with an eviction notice from the boarding house she owned. Kolalou’s attorneys plan to appeal the verdict.
Kolalou was arrested after Walker’s severed head, arms, and legs were found inside a kitchen freezer at the home on Chicago’s northwest side. The gruesome discovery led to Kolalou’s arrest, which occurred after she allegedly pulled a knife on a tow truck driver who had driven her to a beach on Chicago’s lakefront. Prosecutors said that Kolalou had dumped a heavy bag into a garbage can at the beach and then threatened the driver with a knife when he refused to take her to another location.
Members of Walker’s family spoke to reporters on Monday, expressing that the verdict brings them some closure. Arnold Walker, the victim’s younger brother, stated, “I believe justice was done, and I’m glad society will be a little bit safer without this person out there.”
As the sentencing date approaches, the community will continue to grapple with the impact of this tragic event and the loss of a life.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.