DeKalb, Illinois – Linda Nelson, grandmother of the late Gracie Sasso-Cleveland, expressed her journey of grief and healing over the past year since her granddaughter’s tragic death. Initially overwhelmed by sadness and despair, Nelson now strives to honor Gracie’s memory by spreading kindness and ensuring justice for her. Reflecting on Gracie’s aspirations, such as looking forward to significant milestones like prom and working at a clothing shop, Nelson emphasizes the importance of remembering her granddaughter’s positive qualities and talents as a self-taught artist.
Tragically, Gracie’s life was cut short when her body was discovered in a dumpster next to an apartment building in DeKalb on May 7, 2023. The authorities determined that she was suffocated to death on the night of May 4. The prime suspect in her murder is Timothy Doll, a registered sex offender twice Gracie’s age, who has faced previous charges related to criminal sexual abuse of a minor.
Despite Doll’s guilty plea in the 2020 charges and subsequent sentencing to prison and probation, he now faces first-degree murder charges in Gracie’s case. Held without bond at the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore, Doll maintains his plea of not guilty. If convicted, he could potentially receive a life sentence for Gracie’s murder. As the legal proceedings unfold, Gracie’s family remains steadfast in seeking justice for their beloved teenager.
Nelson, residing in Washington state, has diligently attended Doll’s court hearings via virtual platforms, ensuring her presence and support for Gracie. The pain of losing her granddaughter continues to affect the family deeply, especially during significant occasions like Gracie’s Sweet 16 birthday celebration, now referred to as “Gracie’s Day” in her memory.
As the community mourns Gracie’s loss, they have come together in various ways to remember her kindness and spirit. From setting up memorials near the location of her discovery to advocating for stricter sentencing laws for perpetrators of sexual violence, Gracie’s supporters stand united in seeking justice and ensuring that her legacy lives on. With preparations underway for Doll’s impending trial, prosecutors work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case against him for the murder of Gracie Sasso-Cleveland.