An 81-year-old woman named Mary Jo Bailey has been sentenced to life in prison for a murder that occurred nearly 40 years ago in Wisconsin. Bailey will not be eligible for parole until she is over 100 years old. The victim, Yvonne Menke, was killed outside her St. Croix Falls apartment in December 1985. The motive behind the crime was a twisted love triangle, as both women had been dating the same man simultaneously.
Bailey was arrested in Arizona last November and was charged with first-degree murder. In May, she was found guilty by a jury. Recently, a Polk County judge sentenced her to life in prison after highlighting the brutal and cold-blooded nature of the crime. The judge expressed that he had very little discretion in sentencing due to state law, which mandates a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
On the day of the murder, Menke informed her daughter that she was going outside to start the car. However, her daughter heard what sounded like gunshots and looked out the window to see someone running away from the scene. Menke was found dead on the steps leading from her apartment to the street. The autopsy revealed that she had been shot three times with a .22 caliber gun, leading to her death due to blood loss.
Investigators discovered snowy boot prints matching Bailey’s at the crime scene, as well as a note in Menke’s purse containing details about Bailey’s truck. The deceased man at the center of the love triangle, Jack Owen, admitted to dating both women but claimed his relationship with Bailey had ended weeks prior.
During the trial, Menke’s daughter testified that her family had received suspicious phone calls around the time of the murder, with the caller inquiring about Menke’s work schedule. Bailey, however, maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings.
Although no new evidence emerged during the recent investigation, authorities were able to build a stronger case by reevaluating old interviews, considering motive, and analyzing the boot prints among other factors. Bailey was eventually apprehended at her home in Maricopa County, Arizona.
At the sentencing hearing, three of Menke’s children spoke about the impact of their mother’s murder on their lives. Bailey, who still claims her innocence, chose not to speak during the hearing. Her attorneys have stated that they plan to appeal the verdict.
In conclusion, the conviction and sentencing of Mary Jo Bailey for a murder that occurred nearly 40 years ago highlights the perseverance of law enforcement in pursuing justice. Despite the lack of new evidence, investigators were able to build a strong case based on existing information and the motive behind the crime. The sentencing of Bailey to life in prison serves as a reminder that the consequences of one’s actions can extend far into the future, even when they believe they have escaped justice for many years.
