Judge says murder suspect eligible for life in prison

Bradley M. Justice may face the rest of his life in prison for killing a St. Charles single mother out delivering pizzas to support her family.

DuPage Circuit Judge Peter J. Dockery found Justice eligible Wednesday for up to a life prison term, rather than 20 to 60 years, because the crime was exceptionally brutal, heinous and cruel.

"This murder was premeditated, unprovoked, senseless ..." the judge said. "This was grossly ruthless and devoid of mercy. The evidence shows it was vicious and deliberate."

Justice, 31, of Sandwich, Ill., is being held without bond. He will be sentenced June 29.

He pleaded guilty last week to repeatedly beating 41-year-old Karen Hassan with a hammer Nov. 2, 2006, near West Chicago while she delivered about $70 worth of pizza, chicken wings and soda. He stole her cellular phone, credit cards and about $400 during the violent robbery and later bought more crack cocaine.

Police nabbed Justice that next day in downstate Tuscola after tracking the use of the stolen phone, which he used repeatedly.

In reaching his decision, Judge Dockery considered part of a 90-second audio recording that captured the murder. Hassan, who realized she was in trouble, had redialed her attorney; the lawyer's 24-hour answering service recorded the call.

Each blow is audible. More than once, Hassan asks, "What are you doing? Stop it! Help!" The recording ends with her anguished moans.

Dockery said he did not consider as evidence part of the recording in which Justice's voice is heard. The judge said it violates the state eavesdropping law.

DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett has legislation pending in Springfield to amend the law, which he called "archaic."