Son convicted in father's 2011 stabbing death
The final moments of William Clifford, Jr.'s life were horrifying as he was stabbed repeatedly before taking the fatal blow that punctured his heart, according to prosecutors.
The man responsible, his son, William Clifford III, 36, now faces 20 to 60 years in prison after being convicted Friday of the May 28, 2011, murder. A DuPage County jury returned the verdict in less than two hours.
"Why would (Clifford) go after his father in such an angry, volatile, self-centered way? Because his dad controlled the finances," said Assistant State's Attorney Helen Kapas. "His father provided housing, food, clothing and money to live on but nothing was ever good enough for (Clifford). He wanted the lifestyle of the rich and famous, champagne wishes and caviar dreams."
The younger Clifford, prosecutors said, was upset at living in the suburbs and missed his previous proximity to the beach, Lake Michigan and the grocery store within walking distance when he lived in Streeterville.
Prosecutors said the killing happened after the father and son began to argue about Clifford's living arrangements.
During the trial, Clifford's brother, Ryan Clifford, testified his brother confessed to him during a jail visit in November 2013.
"He said 'I was frustrated with how my life was going and I took my frustration out on dad,'" Ryan Clifford testified.
A neighbor in the hotel testified he heard the commotion and saw the younger Clifford attacking the victim with a steak knife and attempted to pull the Clifford off his father. After the stabbing, Clifford fled the hotel, only to return in a blood shirt three hours later and be apprehended.
"This afternoon, a jury found William Clifford, III. responsible for the murder of his father," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said after the verdict was read. "This is a very sad case that has taken a tremendous toll on the Clifford family. This case also demonstrates that domestic violence continues to be a serious problem that can strike anywhere and anytime resulting in devastating consequences."
Clifford's attorney, Assistant Public Defender Kristen Nevdal, however, insisted the true killer is still on the loose and may never be found, due to "some shoddy police work."
She said police repeatedly mishandled evidence and neglected to interview important witnesses during the investigation.
"It's the state's burden to prove this case to you beyond a reasonable doubt but all they've proven is that the Westmont Police Department should call the Major Crimes Task Force or FIAT (Felony Investigative Assistance Team) next time there's a murder in their town," Nevdal said. "I don't know why they did a shoddy job but they did a bad job and now we don't know who the killer is."
Clifford's next court date is Feb. 27 for post-trial motions and setting of a sentencing date.