ALTON, Ill. — An Alton, Illinois, man was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of a man in 2018.
Brian L. Edelen, 31, was found guilty Thursday after a jury was presented with evidence that included a jail phone call of him bragging and laughing about the murder, a press release from the Madison County State's Attorney's office.
Police said Edelen fatally stabbed John C. Jackson on Nov. 29, 2019. Edelen was arrested after a 16-day manhunt and charged with murder.
Edelen said he was not serious when bragging about the murder, but the jury found him guilty.
Other evidence included video surveillance cameras, audio recordings, and text messages sent by the defendant, the press release said.
Edelen's sentencing date has not been set. He will face at least 20 years in prison.
