Dupage Policy Journal

A former Bartlett resident, Edward Mitzelfeld, has been found guilty but mentally ill in the stabbing death of his 93-year-old mother. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that Judge Daniel Guerin delivered the verdict following a seven-day bench trial which concluded on March 22, 2024.

Mitzelfeld, aged 69, was charged with five counts of first-degree murder after the incident on May 29, 2019. He appeared in Bond Court two days later, where his bond was set at $5 million with a condition of paying 10% to apply. Since then, he has remained in custody at DuPage County Jail.

On the day of the incident, officers from the Bartlett Police Department responded to a call at the residence shared by Mitzelfeld and his mother, Frances Kelly. Upon arrival, they found Mitzelfeld outside with his hands raised. Inside the home, Kelly was discovered face down in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor. An investigation revealed that Mitzelfeld stabbed Kelly multiple times in her back with a kitchen knife, causing fatal injuries.

Berlin commented on the case: “This is a tragic case that has surely taken a tremendous toll on Frances’ and Edward’s entire family.” He expressed hope for closure for Kelly's surviving family and friends while acknowledging their loss.

The prosecution team included Assistant State’s Attorneys Rob Willis, Nicole Wilkes-English, and Alyssa Rabulinski. They were commended by Berlin for their efforts in securing this verdict.

Mitzelfeld's next court appearance is scheduled for May 10, 2024, for post-trial motions.