John Agrue: Serial Killer and Convicted Murderer
John William Agrue (September 11, 1947 � June 29, 2009) was an American serial killer whose crimes spanned from 1966 to 1982 in Illinois and Colorado. Although he was convicted for only one murder during his lifetime, later investigations and DNA evidence linked him to additional killings. After his death in 2009, law enforcement agencies reexamined several cold cases and concluded that Agrue was responsible for multiple murders.
Early Life and Background
John Agrue was born in El Paso, Texas. Little is publicly known about his childhood, but he became involved in violent crime at a young age. At just 18 years old, he committed his first known murder, a crime that resulted in a lengthy prison sentence. Despite being incarcerated for many years, Agrue was eventually paroled and later committed additional violent offenses.
The Murder of Suzanne "Susan" Marino (1966)
On July 21, 1966, Agrue met his 15-year-old sister-in-law, Suzanne "Susan" Marino, in downtown Joliet, Illinois. He convinced her to accompany him to Hammel Woods Forest Preserve, located southwest of the city.
According to court records and later reports, Agrue made unwanted romantic advances toward Marino. When she rejected him, he became enraged and attacked her with a knife. Marino was stabbed approximately twelve times and died from her injuries.
Following the murder, Agrue returned home and confessed the crime to his wife. At first she did not believe him, but he drove her to the crime scene and showed her where he had left evidence, including Marino's belongings. His wife urged him to surrender. Agrue later confessed to a priest, who contacted authorities. He was arrested two days later.
During questioning, Agrue admitted killing Marino because she rejected his advances. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison.
Prison Years and Escape
While serving his sentence, Agrue gained public attention in 1975 when he agreed to donate a kidney to his sister. During a hospital stay connected to the procedure, he escaped from custody on May 11, 1976.
After fleeing through several states using stolen vehicles and false identification, Agrue was captured approximately one week later in Central City, Nebraska. He was returned to Illinois to continue serving his prison sentence.
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