An Illinois woman’s twisted crime against her grandmother-in-law shocked two states—now, she's been found guilty. Here’s what happened. Photo courtesy Lafayette County Jail.

31-Year-Old Illinois Woman’s Murder of Her 83-Year-Old Grandmother Shocks Locals!

An Illinois woman’s twisted crime against her grandmother-in-law shocked two states—now, she’s been found guilty. Here’s what happened. 🌐 #News #GalenaIL #Illinois #Crime

GALENA, IL – A chilling family tragedy came to a conclusion this week when Shannon C. Bussan, 31, of Elizabeth, Illinois, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of her grandmother-in-law, Lynne Montgomery. The court delivered its verdict on Bussan’s involvement in the February 2023 incident that shocked both family and community.

The Crime and Guilty Verdict

Bussan was convicted of intentionally causing the death of 83-year-old Lynne Montgomery on February 27, 2023.

According to court records, Montgomery was found unresponsive in her Wisconsin home, sparking an investigation that quickly uncovered disturbing evidence. Bussan’s sentencing is scheduled for December 23 at 2:00 p.m.

What Happened on February 27?

In the early morning of February 27, Bussan placed a frantic 911 call, reporting that Montgomery had fallen and wasn’t breathing. However, an autopsy revealed multiple blunt force injuries, inconsistent with a simple fall.

Officials noted possible causes of death related to restricted breathing, suggesting Montgomery may have been smothered.

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Mysterious Notes Surface After Death

The day after Montgomery’s death, relatives stumbled upon handwritten notes scattered around the home. These chilling messages, written in a style resembling Montgomery’s handwriting, hinted at abuse.

One note read, “Help Shannon is hurting me,” while another mentioned being dragged and attempted forced entry into a safe. Detectives later confirmed that the handwriting closely matched samples from Montgomery’s belongings.

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Suspicious Behavior and Husband’s Account

In interviews with detectives, Bussan’s husband recounted unsettling phone calls from his wife in the days following the incident. According to his statement, Bussan was “manic” on the phone, repeatedly saying things like, “I’m so sorry about all of this,” “I love grandma,” and “I don’t want to go to prison.”

Detectives reported that she seemed deeply distressed, alternating between apologies and pleas that seemed to reveal her fear of the impending investigation.

As Bussan awaits her December sentencing, the tragic events continue to haunt those left behind, raising questions about family, trust, and the hidden troubles that can exist within a household.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Illinois

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