Daily Herald | Man admits to killing Ingleside teen in 2004
The man accused of the brutal 2004 murder of a 16-year-old Ingleside girl pleaded guilty Monday, just as his trial was about to begin.
Adam Christenson, 25, will face a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison when he returns to court March 17 before Circuit Judge James Booras.
Christenson was accused of stabbing Elizabeth Willding more than 40 times July 14, 2004, when she interrupted his second burglary of her home in as many days.
Christenson pleaded guilty but mentally ill to killing the girl under a clause in the law that does not require a defendant to give up his claim of innocence.
Instead, Christenson was required only to admit that if a reasonable judge or jury were to hear the evidence against him, it was likely he would be convicted.
Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Mermel said the framework around the plea was a technicality with no meaningful impact.
“He is just as guilty,” Mermel said. “(The plea) is just as final.”
Christenson has a significant history of mental illness, including confinement in a state hospital for a year after being found unfit to stand trial in 2005.
Doctors said Christenson was restored to fitness last year and returned to Lake County, although he still receives medication for psychological disorders.
Mermel told Booras witnesses would be prepared to testify that Christenson, after originally denying any involvement in the crime, admitted the girl struck him over the head with an object when she found him inside her house.
Christenson then grabbed a knife and began stabbing the girl, Mermel said, and left the house without the digital camera cord he had planned to steal.
Christenson needed the cord because he had stolen the camera the previous day, Mermel said, and was unable to pawn the camera without the cord.
Scientists also were prepared to testify the girl’s blood was found on the shoes Christenson was wearing when he was first questioned by police, and that his DNA was found underneath her fingernails.
Before entry of the plea, Booras told Christenson about a conversation he had with the lawyers concerning the negotiations that led to the plea.
Booras said Assistant Public Defender Keith Grant was recommending a sentence of about 30 years, while Mermel recommended 50 to 60 years.
Booras said after considering all the facts, he was leaning toward a sentence of 40 to 50 years, but the actual term could be higher or lower depending on the evidence brought out at the sentencing hearing.
Gigi Willding, the victim’s mother, and other family members were present in the courtroom but declined to comment after the hearing.
Christenson’s father also attended and left without comment.