Woman found guilty of killing landlord, leaving remains in freezer

A Chicago judge slapped a woman with a 58-year prison sentence for killing her landlord and storing the dismembered body parts in a freezer. According to CBS Chicago, while Sandra Kolalou swears she didn't do it, the jury said otherwise.

Back in January, the 39-year-old Kolalou was found guilty of killing Frances Walker, 69, dismembering her body, and using her identity. Cops nabbed Kolalou after they found the missing landlady's body parts in a freezer at the Westridge Boarding house.

During the sentencing at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building, Kolalou addressed the court, saying, "I understand a jury found me legally liable for murder. But I did not commit this crime. With God as my witness, I never harmed Fran."

Judge Ursula Walowski handed down the 58-year sentence, bringing an end to the legal proceedings in this Chicago landlord murder case. The victim, Frances Walker, owned and lived in the boarding house for single women where Kolalou was a tenant at the time of Walker's disappearance.

Walker's family members were present at the sentencing and expressed their emotions. Benita Walker, the victim's sister, stated, "Sandra asked the judge for mercy, but she did not give my sister any mercy." Arnold Walker, the victim's brother, added, "It's just extra sad that it was like one of the best people that I knew in my life. She had no enemies."

Kolalou's defense team announced their intention to appeal the verdict. Samuel Jackson III, Kolalou's attorney, criticized the police investigation, claiming it was flawed and focused too narrowly on his client. "They didn't go after anybody. Sandra Kolalou was the first and only suspect," Jackson said.

However, Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Dan Crone painted a different picture of Kolalou, alleging that she had attacked a jail guard. Crone described her as "a dangerous person with no regard for the safety of anyone she encounters."

The Sandra Kolalou sentencing marks the end of a case that garnered widespread attention due to the nature of the crime. The Frances Walker dismemberment and the subsequent discovery of her remains in a freezer at her own boarding house shocked the community.