Chicago Woman Convicted of Killing and Dismembering Landlord

Sandra Kolalou, a 37-year-old Chicago woman, found guilty of killing and dismembering her landlord, Frances Walker, 69, and hiding some of the victim's remains in a freezer at the boarding house where Kolalou lived. Prosecutors said Kolalou killed Walker in October 2022 after the landlord had served her with an eviction notice.

Kolalou was arrested after police found Walker's severed head, arms, and legs in the freezer. She was also convicted of dismembering a body, concealing a homicidal death, and aggravated identity theft. Kolalou's sentencing is scheduled for June 20, and her attorneys plan to appeal the verdict.

The gruesome murder came to light when tenants in the boarding house reported hearing Walker screaming and being unable to contact her. When police arrived, Kolalou was seen leaving the residence and getting into a tow truck she had allegedly ordered using Walker's credit card. The tow truck driver later reported that Kolalou had placed a bag in a garbage can at Foster Beach, which was found to contain bloody rags and linens.

A search of Kolalou's room revealed blood and the victim's remains in her freezer. Prosecutors argued that Kolalou was the only one carrying a bag of bloody rags and had Walker's phone. The defense tried to cast doubt by pointing to other residents in the boarding house, but the prosecution rebutted that Kolalou was the only one questioned due to the evidence against her.

Why this matters: This shocking case highlights the potential dangers that can arise in landlord-tenant relationships and the importance of safety measures and tenant screening processes. It also underscores the crucial role that fellow tenants can play in reporting suspicious activity and involving authorities when necessary.

The victim's family expressed that the conviction provides them with some closure and that they are glad "society will be a little bit safer without this woman, found guilty of murder out there." First-degree murder, the most serious charge, typically involves premeditation and carries a life sentence in Illinois, which abolished the death penalty in 2011. Dismembering a body carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, while concealing a homicidal death can lead to a sentence of 2 to 5 years. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a minimum of 2 years in prison.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago woman convicted of killing, dismembering landlord in 2022
• Remains found in freezer; Kolalou used victim's credit card, fled scene
• Kolalou found guilty of murder, dismemberment, identity theft; faces life
• Case highlights risks in landlord-tenant relationships, importance of safety
• Victim's family expresses relief at conviction, says society is safer