Timothy M. Doll, the 29-year-old man who suffocated 15-year-old Gracie Sasso-Cleveland in May 2023, has been sentenced to 52 years in prison for her murder. Doll pleaded guilty in February, days before his trial was set to begin.
Gracie should have been starting her senior year at DeKalb High School, thinking about prom and her future, but instead, her life was tragically taken. Doll killed her by placing a pillow over her face and suffocating her. He hid her clothes, packed her body into a laundry basket, and discarded her in a nearby dumpster.
Circuit Court Judge Philip Montgomery described Doll’s actions, saying, “Mr. Doll, you treated her no better than you would an ordinary sack of trash… But she was just not a sack of trash for you to throw away. She was a young woman with dreams and aspirations. You stole her innocence. And ultimately, you stole her life.”
At the sentencing, Gracie’s mother, Ericka Sasso, delivered a heart-wrenching message to Doll, saying, “People tell me I need to forgive you not for you, but for me. But I cannot.” She also wore a friendship bracelet with Gracie’s name and her hair dyed green, Gracie’s favorite color, according to courtroom reporting by local news outlet Shaw Local.
Doll, who will serve 100% of his sentence and is not eligible for probation, also made a statement. He admitted to the murder and expressed remorse, stating, “Gracie was a very special person who should still be here. I wish every day it were me who was dead.” However, his apology was met with skepticism, and Gracie’s family did not believe his remorse was sincere.
The court heard that Doll had a long history of violence and sexual offenses, including registering as a sex offender in Illinois shortly before murdering Gracie. He had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old girl in 2020. Despite being ordered to stay away from minors, Doll continued to prey on young girls. “This defendant preys on young teenage girls, abusing them,” prosecutor Scott Schwertley said.
Ericka, while feeling “frozen” until the sentencing, expressed relief at the 52-year sentence but noted her grief would never end. She shared a memory of Gracie in preschool, showing her daughter’s innate kindness. “I really want her to be remembered for that and not what he did to her,” Ericka said. Gracie’s friends continue to celebrate her life, ensuring she is remembered for the person she was.