St. Clair County prosecutors say the final chapter was written in the death of a southern Illinois woman who was burned to death during an attempt to steal her bingo winnings.
Judge Robert Haida ruled last week a man involved in the 2011 death of 85-year-old Yoko Cullen remains mentally unfit to stand trial and is an ongoing threat to the public. Haida committed 35-year-old Demarcus Barnes to a secure mental health treatment facility until he is well enough to face murder charges or 80 years, whichever comes first.
Barnes, Latosha Cunningham and Dequan Barnes waited for Cullen outside a Collinsville bingo hall, stopping the grandmother from driving away.
Authorities say Cullen was forced the trunk of her car and driven to East St. Louis, where her car was set on fire. Her charred remains were found two days later.
Prosecutors say the three split $130 found in Cullen's purse.
The 26-year-old Daquan Barnes and 44-year-old Cunningham are serving 60-year sentences.
