* A story published in the Tribune earlier this week moved me almost to tears when I read it today. You must read it…
Eli Evans doesn’t dwell on the horrific violence that surrounded his birth 16 years ago.
He has known the unfathomable details for years since he and his older brother Jordan came to live with their grandfather in this rural southeastern Illinois community. Sam Evans still encourages the boys to come to him whenever they feel the need to discuss what happened. […]
Late on the night of Nov. 16, 1995, his mother, Debra Evans, was fatally shot in her Addison apartment. Eli, a full-term baby, was cut from her womb with a pair of shears.
Also slain were her 10-year-old daughter, Samantha, and 7-year-old son, Joshua, whose body was later discovered in a Maywood alley. Jordan, then 22 months old, was found in the apartment, sobbing, “Mommy hurt.”
Eli was whisked away by the killers but was rescued within hours after police closed in on three suspects who were later convicted of the slayings.
Take a moment from your busy day and go read the whole story about this remarkable young man and his wonderful grandfather. It’s worth it. Trust me.
- Jaded - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 3:37 pm:
I read it yesterday. I have no idea if he has a snowballs chance, but I hope Eli makes it to the NFL. What a great story that would be.
- km - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 3:45 pm:
Agreed Rich!!!
- Shock & Awww(e) - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 3:47 pm:
Thanks for posting this, Rich.
If anyone wants to double down on warm fuzzy feelings, I also suggest the story about the anonymous person who donated $25,000 to Chicagoland Toys for Tots this afternoon after it emerged this morning that someone had stolen money from the group to buys toys for needy kids.
The updated story also mentions their phone has been ringing off the hook with people helping since the story came to light.
On the Trib & Sun-Times, among others.
- The Captain - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 3:49 pm:
I remember that story from 1995, it was a brutal story. What an amazing update.
- Secret Square - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 4:04 pm:
Wow. I remember hearing about this awful case when it happened and wondering whatever became of this young man. (He’s almost exactly the same age as my own child.) His story made my day and I wish him all the best!!
- Stooges - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 4:09 pm:
Sam Evans is an awesome man. He saved these boys and he is thankful for what they have given him and how they have enriched his life. He has uncanny perspective, knowledge and wisdom, and has provided such an example for these boys. Its easy some times to think we are a troubled society with all the craziness that goes on, but there are so many stories like this where people rise above their obstacles and provide inspiration to us all.
- LincolnLounger - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 4:37 pm:
I missed that one. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 4:47 pm:
It’s really sobering to think that we get mad and hold grudges over such trivialities. What a beautiful lesson about forgiveness, just in time for the holidays.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 5:12 pm:
At the time it happened, I thought this was the most horrific crime I’d ever heard of in my life. I still believe this.
Eli’s grandfather is a true guardian angel. What fantastic grandchildren he’s raised.
- Sam I am - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 5:12 pm:
I find myself wondering about the people who committed these unspeakable crimes. Have they changed at all since they stole these lives? Do they feel worse about their imprisonment or the murders?
- amalia - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 5:18 pm:
it’s nice to know what happened to the baby whose mother was so brutally murdered as he was born. wishing him nothing but huge success in whatever he does.
- sal-says - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 5:18 pm:
Excellent article & person. Thanks Trib & CapitolFax for posting it.
Also two other good Trib reads are:
Ask Amy.
“This year, charity begins at home”
http://tinyurl.com/c4kersv
By Dahleen Glanton.
“Iraq War is over, but effects linger for veterans”
http://tinyurl.com/dx7we42
- x ace - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 6:35 pm:
Read, reread, and reread it in the Tribune Sunday.
Remarkable for sure.
- southern man - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 7:48 pm:
Makes you thankful for good people. This boy will do something great with his life.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 20, 11 @ 8:02 pm:
===This boy will do something great with his life. ===
Considering what he’s been through, just living a normal life would be a blessing. I, too, would hope he could go on to some sort of greatness, but I would be just as pleased if he went to a decent university, then got a good job or started a business and raised a happy family.