MILAN, Ill. — The search continues for a convicted murderer who escaped from a Chicago prison program last week, and the victim’s family says they fear for their safety.
Johnell Smith III escaped less than six months after being sentenced for killing 17-year-old Danny Taylor in Milan. State officials say Smith was enrolled in a special program in Chicago when he managed to get away.
Taylor’s family says authorities are developing leads, but they remain on edge with a convicted killer still at large.
Family lives in fear
“There’s a real threat out there, and we want Johnell caught because we want justice to be served as much as it can under these circumstances, but we also don’t want any other family to endure the pain that our family has had to endure,” said Phil Taylor, Danny’s uncle.
Danny Taylor was killed by Smith in 2023. A judge sentenced Smith to 35 years in prison for first-degree murder.
“It’s been excruciating to lose a family member the way that we lost Danny,” Phil Taylor said.
Concerns about revenge
The family says Smith showed no remorse during sentencing and fear that could put them in danger.
“We absolutely feel for our safety. We saw Johnell during his sentencing not take any accountability and blame the family, and so in this case, he has no remorse and may be inclined to seek revenge. So yes, we’re absolutely on alert just in case,” Phil Taylor said.
During sentencing, Danny’s sister Josie said, “My brother was robbed of memories, laughter, and love, and I can only hope the same and more is taken from you.”
Danny’s father, David Taylor, added, “You took more lives than Danny’s that night. You took my family.”
The search continues
Despite their fear, the family says they won’t stop fighting to keep Danny’s memory alive and ensure Smith is held accountable.
“We need to get him back in prison where he was sentenced so that our family can feel some sense of justice but equally so that the public can feel safe again,” Phil Taylor said.
Smith has been missing for a week as of Wednesday. Officials have not revealed how he escaped or why a convicted murderer was placed in that type of program so soon after sentencing.
The Rock Island Sheriff’s Office says the search is ongoing and noted that because Smith has ties to the Quad Cities, he may have returned to the area.
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