Chicago, Illinois — A Chicago woman has been found guilty of a gruesome crime, convicted of killing and dismembering her landlord before hiding some of the victim’s remains in a freezer in the boarding house they shared. Sandra Kolalou, 37, was convicted by a Cook County jury on charges that included first-degree murder, dismembering a body, concealing a homicidal death, and aggravated identity theft. Her sentencing is set for June 20.
Authorities revealed that the victim, Frances Walker, 69, had reportedly served Kolalou an eviction notice from the boarding house prior to the heinous act in October 2022. Following the discovery of Walker’s severed head, arms, and legs inside a freezer at the residence on Chicago’s northwest side, Kolalou was apprehended and charged.
Despite plans by Kolalou’s defense attorneys to appeal the verdict, she remains in police custody. The arrest came after a disturbing incident where Kolalou brandished a knife at a tow truck driver who had taken her to a beach along Chicago’s lakefront. Prosecutors claimed she disposed of a heavy bag in a nearby trash can before turning on the driver when he declined to transport her to another location.
Family members of the victim expressed a bittersweet relief after the verdict, with Walker’s brother, Arnold Walker, stating, “I believe justice was done, and I’m glad society will be a little bit safer without this person out there.” The harrowing case has left a lasting impact on the community, shedding light on the dangers that lurk within seemingly ordinary settings. As the legal proceedings progress, the ultimate fate of Kolalou will be determined by the upcoming sentencing hearing.