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Cops hope tests explain teen's sudden death
By Edith Brady-Lunny
eblunny@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON — Authorities hope the results of toxicology tests will provide answers for the family of a 17-year-old Bloomington girl who died unexpectedly last week.

Johnnecia House, known as Jon Jon, collapsed Aug. 8 as she was helping her mother move furniture from a duplex in the 300 block of South Allin Street.

A 24-year-old man faces a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor by providing alcohol to the teenager, but a police investigation into the death is on hold until toxicology results are completed, said Bloomington police spokesman Duane Moss.

Cortez Gleghorn, a visitor at the duplex next door to the House family, is being held without bond on a violation of his parole in a 2005 burglary case, said Moss.

Additional charges may be filed in the case. Several other young men were at the duplex when the incident occurred, according to police.

“More arrests are possible depending upon what comes back on the tests and what was in her body,” said Moss.

Authorities have asked the lab performing the tests to expedite the toxicology report. Results may be ready by the end of the week, said Moss.

The autopsy showed no signs of trauma, McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling said Monday.

Family members also want answers, said Carla House, the girl’s mother.

A loud noise was House’s first indication that her daughter was in trouble. “She had grabbed a mattress. I looked back when I heard a noise that wasn’t right. Her body flew back on the couch. She was dead before she hit the couch. The autopsy said she had a clot that (went) right to her heart,” said House.

House said police told her Gleghorn gave her daughter a drink. House wants to know if the alcoholic drink contained a drug that may have affected her daughter.

As the family waits for answers, they are holding fundraisers to cover funeral costs for the Bloomington High School junior. A candlelight vigil and fundraiser Saturday night was attended by more than 200 people. A car wash is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Auto Zone in Normal.

“She loved hanging out with friends, dancing, skating and basketball,” said the girl’s mother.

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Reader comments on this story - 16 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Deshauna Jones (Wade) wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:56 AM:

" I can't begin to imagine what Carla must be going through right now. I was certainly shocked when I heard the news. I pray the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep her heart and mind and that her and her family will be comforted as Angels are dispatched to Minister and Encourage each of them during such a difficult time. "

Milk wrote on Aug 16, 2007 7:52 PM:

" I met Jon Jon Last summer through my sister. They have been friends for several years and it's not hard to see why. Over the course of the year I was able to deduce that Jon Jon was a individual full of life, and she did not miss an opportunity to make someone laugh. Some may have found her to be somewhat tough, but thats because she did not take much and she would let you know it. I will truly miss Jon Jon and I know there are many more like me who I can now say they "Knew" Jon Jon. But we wont have to look far...She will always be in our hearts! My Condolences go out to the friends and family. "

Sad wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:20 PM:

" I'm very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the friends and family of this girl. I have 2 children who are still young yet, but could never imagine losing them. You will be in my prayers. "

RIP wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:24 PM:

" I met Jon Jon a couple of times and she seemed like a wonderful girl. If those men had even the smallest part in her death lord knows they will get what they deserve. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of this young soul. "

Melissa Price wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:23 PM:

" Carla & John my prayers are with you and your family, Jon Jon will be truely missed, she was a sweet girl & I enjoyed watching her grow up. You know Im here for you, Im a phone call away. "

Friend wrote on Aug 14, 2007 12:46 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers go out to Carla and her family. My daughter was friends with Jon Jon. She had been to my house a lot of times. Jon Jon was a real sweet person. She was always very respectful. This is such a sad time. If you have any extra, I ask that you please help Carla and her family in there time of need. There will be a car wash fundraiser this Wednesday at 2. As one mother to another, please relieve some of her stresses and donate to the funeral cost. Money should not be an added stress at this time. God Bless "

DONATIONS wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:38 AM:

" The heart goes out to the family. If you wish to make a donation you can make them directly to the family. "

how sad wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:28 AM:

" how terrible for the family to not know why or what. ihope the results give the family answers and a peice of mind. i hope it wasnt fowl play or a drug/overdose of something, and just mearly that time. thoughts and prayers are with the family and freinds "

So sorry wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:21 AM:

" We were driving by Allin Street last Wednesday and saw the police and the yellow tape; when we drove by on Saturday evening, we saw the vigil. We'd been searching the paper since to find out what happened. Will there be other collection points? I can't make it to a car wash at 2 on Wednesday though I wish I could. "

Jon Jon wrote on Aug 14, 2007 7:47 AM:

" R.I.P baby!! "

Mother of teenagers wrote on Aug 14, 2007 5:06 AM:

" My daughter knew JonJon, she hasn't been the same since this happened. My heart goes out to the family, we are praying for you all. "

tiger35 wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:21 AM:

" i am so sorry for you lost i have a 14 year old and i dont now if i could do it i hope you are will and i will pray for you and your family "

Alfred e Mollusk wrote on Aug 13, 2007 10:33 PM:

" Describe how much the deceased was respected and admired by you and others. "

Jennifer wrote on Aug 13, 2007 10:25 PM:

" My heart goes out to the family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I have a 17 year old and cannot imagine the pain you must be suffering. "

To House Family and I'm so sorry wrote on Aug 13, 2007 9:37 PM:

" Not sure what you are going through. You both are in my prayers. Can't imagine life without my little one. God bless you all. "

I'm so sorry~~ wrote on Aug 13, 2007 9:25 PM:

" I have lost my teen daughter in a car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. "
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