Diamond Bradley of Spring Valley, Illinois was just 16 years old when her life was tragically taken from her and her family. She was a Junior at Hall High School in Spring Valley. She met someone on the internet where she was lured to leave her home and go outside to meet him. January 24, 2018 Diamond did just that, sometime between 6:00 - 7:00 AM when she was picked up. When her parents realized she was missing, they immediately contact the police and filed a missing persons report.
Three days later on January 27, 2018, a passerby found her body and called police.
Police pinged Diamond's cell phone, went over surveillance footage which all led them to their suspect, Richard Henderson.
SUSPECT
Richard Henderson, 26, of Standard, Illinois was charged and arrested for concealing a homicide. Soon after, he was charged on three counts of first degree murder. He was detained on a 1 million dollar bond and was held at the La Salle County jail to await trial.
During a search at Henderson's workplace, the knife that was used to take Diamond's life was recovered.
Diamond was driven to Granville, Illinois; about 100 miles away from Chicago. They started fighting when he began stabbing her multiple times. Her lifeless body was left in a ditch off a rural roadway.
Henderson was given a plea deal and sentenced to 53 years in prison. It has never been made clear as to why a plea was even offered.
OBITUARY
Diamond Marja Bradley departed her earthly life for a heavenly life on January 27, 2018. Funeral Service will be 1:00 PM Saturday in the Ptak Funeral Home. Pastor Raymond L. Merkerson will officiate. Cremation rites will follow the services. Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of services in the funeral home. Diamond Bradley was born March 21, 2001, in Clarksville, Tennessee. Diamond moved to Spring Valley in 2002 attended Hall High School where she was a typical teenager, very outgoing and loved to sing and dance. Diamond had a host of friends. Diamond is survived by her mother Doris Marie Bradley of Spring Valley and her father Phillip Williams of Chicago. 3 sisters Briana Green of Chicago, Jasmine Bradley and Aaliyah Bradley of Spring Valley. 4 Brothers Larry Mitchell of Chicago, DeAndre Bradley of Chicago, DiQuan Bradley of Spring Valley and Quintin Bradley of Spring Valley. Diamond is also survived by 1 nieces and 2 nephews and a host of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from different parts of the world. She was preceded in death by her Grandparents Eula Mae Jackson and John Henry Dillard
Our deepest condolences to Diamond's family and all those who know and love her.
Rest easy Diamond.