Thomas Kokoraleis, a convicted murderer and former member of Chicago's infamous Ripper Crew, has been living a "quiet life" during his three months in Peoria.
Jonathan Rocke, the executive director of Peoria Pathway Ministries where Kokoraleis has been living, told the Journal Star the man once convicted in the murders of two women in the Chicagoland area has been a "kind" and "quiet" person trying to live a simple life at the facility at 601 SW Adams Street.
"Since Thomas was released after serving his sentence and having professed faith in Jesus, he has demonstrated a life of accountability and quietness since that time five years ago," Rocke said. "We have experienced exactly the same thing — he's very quiet and doesn't try to draw attention. He just wants to live his life out to follow Christ."
Living in Peoria: Infamous killer who was part of Chicago's 'Ripper Crew'
The history of the Chicago Ripper Crew
Kokoraleis and three others were convicted of the murders of women in the Chicago area in the 1980s in what became known as the Chicago Ripper Crew murders. Kokoraleis himself was convicted of one killing and confessed to police that the Ripper Crew had engaged in the murder, mutilation, rape and cannibalism of female victims as part of satanic rituals.
Prosecutors had argued that the Ripper Crew may have been responsible for the murders of up to 20 women. Two other conspirators in the Ripper Crew — Edward Spreitzer and Kokoraleis' older brother, Andrew Kokoraleis — were sentenced to death for their roles in the homicides.
Andrew Kokoraleis was executed in 1999, the last person in Illinois to receive the death penalty. Spreitzer had his death sentence commuted to life in prison.
Ripper Crew ringleader Robin Gecht was the only member of the group to maintain his innocence and never confess to police about his crimes. He was given a 120-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of raping and mutilating a prostitute who lived to tell about the encounter.
Thomas Kokoraleis convictions as part of the Chicago Ripper Crew
Thomas Kokoraleis was originally given a life sentence in the 1982 slaying of 21-year-old Lorraine "Lorry" Ann Borowski, but his conviction was thrown out in 1986 due to a legal error, according to the Associated Press.
A new trial was ordered, but Kokoraleis instead pleaded guilty in exchange for a 70-year prison term, the AP said.
Kokoraleis served 35 years of that 70-year sentence, released early because of good behavior in prison. Guidelines in Illinois at the time of his sentencing rewarded inmates, even violent felons, for good behavior and that led to his prison time being cut in half, according to USA TODAY.
More: Reputed 'Ripper Crew' member, killer released from Canton prison
He was released in 2019 and spent the past five years living in Aurora.
Rocke says the crimes committed by the Chicago Ripper Crew are horrific and he does not want to minimize what happened to the victims and their families and the "untold suffering" inflicted on many.
He says that Peoria Pathway Ministries understands the concerns about safety those in the Peoria community have about someone who is tied to those crimes living in their city. But Rocke says that Kokoraleis' life is different now after finding Jesus.
"What we know now is while incarcerated he professed faith in Jesus, and we know that Jesus can change a life and provide, certainly forgiveness, but also a renewed purpose and redemption and restoration," Rocke said. "That's all we've known from Tom. So I would say, yes, I think I would say I think today he is not a danger."
'God's justice system is perfect'
Kokoraleis is not subject to parole or 24/7 monitoring. Instead, as a registered sex offender, he is required to check in with the Peoria Police Department quarterly. He last checked in with the department on Aug. 1.
Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria told the Journal Star last week that he spoke to authorities in Aurora, who told him they never had any issues with Kokoraleis following his release from prison in 2019.
Rocke says these points show Kokoraleis is no longer a dangerous man.
"He can go where he wants to go, but he's chosen to live under accountability and within a structured ministry setting to have that accountability and quietness," Rocke said. "So, I think that's a good indication."
Aurora, Chicago's largest suburb, is in the shadow of where the Ripper Crew's notorious crimes happened in the early 1980s. People had not forgotten about the murders when Kokoraleis was released in 2019 and backlash was strong. Even Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin spoke out against Kokoraleis' release, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The public outcry and spotlight made it difficult for Kokoraleis to live the quiet life he sought while at Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora, where he lived for three years after his release. Peoria Pathway Ministries frequently collaborates with Wayside Cross Ministries and agreed to accept Thomas Kokoraleis as a resident.
Kokoraleis moved to Peoria Pathway Ministries in May.
His day-to-day life, Rocke said, includes working in the ministries' food service department and undertaking custodial duties as well. He does not go out much and lives quietly "doing low-key things," Rocke said.
Other residents of Peoria Pathway Ministries, which usually totals about 100 men, some of whom also have violent backgrounds, have been seemingly accepting of Kokoraleis, Rocke said.
"We can all question ... our justice system is flawed and imperfect, and you never know what's right and what's wrong," Rocke said. "God's justice system is perfect, and I am just as guilty as Thomas in his eyes and I need his grace."
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria ministry director describes infamous Chicago killer as kind man
