The toll on the families

Originally published Jan. 7, 1994

I hate the idea of knowing I have to go through life knowing my son was murdered. - Diane Clayton, mother of Marcus Nellsen

We've grown up in a hurry, before our time. We were robbed of a future with our parents. - Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, oldest daughter of slain restaurant owners Lynn and Richard Ehlenfeldt

Sometimes, we feel like we're homeless. We finish work, and we don't want to go home because the memories are there. - Manny Castro, father of victim Michael Castro

We don't care if we have money. We don't care if we have something to eat. I feel numb. I have no emotions or anything. All I have is pain. - Epifania Castro, mother of Michael Castro

All the memories were there. Every corner of the suburbs brings it to mind. - Evelyn Urgena, mother of victim Rico Solis, on why the family moved to Chicago

It's the first one without him. The first one's always the hardest. It's not going to be the same, ever. - Jerry Mennes, twin brother of victim Thomas Mennes, on April 12, their birthday

Tonight is a night of love. That's why we are here. A horrible thing happened. Several lives were taken, for what reason we don't know. But Mrs. Maldonado, your husband didn't die. Yes, his body is gone, but his soul is going to heaven. - The Rev. Raphael Orozco, at a memorial for victim Guadalupe Maldonado

The best that we can do is to realize that Michael (Castro) and the six others who were victims are now in God's peace. Their suffering is over ... The pain is left behind for us. - The Rev. Steven G. Dombrowski, associate pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palatine, at a memorial service the day after the murders were discovered

I'm really angry. There is no emotional feeling like being with the moms and dads and sisters and brothers. I don't think survivors of the victims will ever be the same again. And that's so wrong. - Frank Portillo, president of Brown's Chicken & Pasta

The first month or two months, I was in a state of shock. The last month or two, it's been really bad. I'm feeling feelings I didn't let myself feel. - Joy McClain, girlfriend of Marcus Nellsen

This case has changed us all forever. And I think we've tried to work with the families and do as much for them and keep them as informed as we possibly can. I think that they appreciate that effort. - Palatine Police Chief Jerry Bratcher

She doesn't cry in front of the kids. She has a lot of memories. - Maria Maldonado, of her widowed aunt, Beatriz Maldonado