Springfield teen accused of stabbing mother more than 100 times, court officials say

A Springfield teenager formally charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his adoptive mother north of Springfield early Saturday morning pleaded not guilty in Sangamon County Court Monday.

Jonathan Long, 16, showed up to court in a white jumpsuit and handcuffs. He sat with Sangamon County Assistant Public Defender John Dixon.

Long was also charged with aggravated domestic violence.

More: 16-year-old arrested for fatally stabbing mother in Springfield

Under Illinois law, once a person turns 16, they are automatically transferred to adult court on certain charges, including first-degree murder.

During Monday's court proceedings, Sangamon County Assistant Prosecutor Kendra Hansel alleged that Long stabbed Misty Long more than 100 times in the face, neck, abdomen, arms and legs.

The two shared a home in the 3000 block of Shadow Fax Drive in the Twin Lakes subdivision.

As the defense sought Long's release under the Pretrial Fairness Act, Hansel said three 911 calls were made from inside the home, two initiated by the teen.

In one of those calls, Hansel said it was obvious that Misty Long was struggling with her son and begging him “to stop stabbing her. As she screamed, Mr. Long continued to stab her.”

Misty Long was taken to Springfield Memorial Hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead.

Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon verified Misty Long's identity.

Witnesses told police the teen had been violent with his mother in the past, Hansel said. He was taken to a Springfield hospital Friday for suicidal thoughts but was released to his mother, Hansel told the court.

Dixon, arguing for Jonathan Long's pretrial release, said the teenager had no prior juvenile court record and “no proven or alleged history of violence.”

Sangamon County Associate Judge Christopher Perrin granted Dixon's request for a mental health evaluation of Long.

Perrin also refused Long's provisional release.

The next hearing in this case will take place on July 18.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; [email protected]; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared in the State Journal-Register: Illinois teen accused of stabbing foster mother more than 100 times