John Wilson Jr., the man convicted of Kelli O’Laughlin’s murder, armed robbery and home invasion that occurred on Oct. 27, 2011, received a 160-year sentence at Bridgeview Courthouse on Oct. 10.

“Mr. O’Laughlin and I are so happy that this is over,” mother Brenda O’Laughlin said in an exclusive interview with LION. “We would never want another family to go through what we are going through. Justice will never be served as Kelli will never be coming home, but at least this evil is off the streets and the community is safer.”

The trial for Wilson began on Sept. 2 and lasted nine days, with around 50 people testifying for the state. DNA evidence proved that the hat used to break into the house carried Wilson’s DNA. Cell phone records tracking Wilson’s and Kelli’s phones were also used as evidence.

Wilson was found guilty on Sept. 15, after the jury deliberated for about two hours.

At the sentencing, Brenda spoke, and was taunted by Wilson.

“We was in a relationship, Bren. What happened? Are you serious?” Wilson said, according to Chicago Tribune.

Wilson chose not to make a statement at the sentencing, though he did respond when Judge John Hynes asked him a question.

“Sir, I do not know who you are,” Wilson said, according to Chicago Tribune. “I do not know why I am here and the voices told me not to talk to you.”

Now that the trial has ended, the O’Laughlins can focus all of their energy on the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation to give opportunities to young adults, Brenda said.

“No matter how many years he got, it will never bring Kelli back and that’s the most frustrating part for her friends and family,” Annie LeFevour ‘15 said. “I’m happy though that her family can now focus on the foundation and Kelli’s legacy and not the trial.”

Run for Kelli, a three-mile run and one-mile walk, will be held on Nov. 16 at SC, benefiting the foundation.