On February 14, 2025, Grundy County State’s Attorney charged 44-year-old Chris Nielsen with the tragic and senseless killing of his 63-year-old mother, Alison Findley, whose death rocked the community of Morris, Illinois, in August 2024. The charge followed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Alison’s death and the discovery of her body behind the apartment buildings in the 900 block of Twilight Drive. The charges include three counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Felony Domestic Battery, and one count of Felony Aggravated Battery.
The case began on the morning of August 30, 2024, when Alison was reported missing by a close friend. According to the friend, Alison was last seen in the early hours of August 26, 2024, by none other than her son, Chris Nielsen. He reportedly told the friend that he last saw his mother at approximately 2:00 a.m. on that day. However, it wasn’t until several days later that the search for Alison would end in tragedy.
At 6:16 p.m. on the same day Alison was reported missing, officers responded to a call from a woman walking her dog in the vicinity of the 900 block of Twilight Drive. The woman had made a horrifying discovery — Alison’s lifeless body was found buried in the brush along the tree line behind the apartment complex where she had lived. The scene was disturbing, as the area was a secluded space, hidden from the regular flow of foot traffic, adding to the eeriness of the discovery.
Alison had been living in an apartment at the same location with her son, Chris Nielsen, which raised immediate questions about the circumstances of her disappearance. When initially questioned, Nielsen denied any involvement in or knowledge of how his mother had died, but investigators were not convinced by his statements. They immediately began looking for physical evidence that could explain Alison’s death. The investigation would rely heavily on forensic evidence to piece together the details of what had transpired during the days leading up to her death.
At the time of Alison’s death, the investigation was focused on determining the cause and manner of death. The evidence found at the scene and Alison’s apartment would later provide crucial clues that helped guide investigators. The autopsy, conducted by the Grundy County Coroner’s Office, confirmed the worst fears: Alison had died due to “homicidal trauma with strangulation injuries.” This ruling was consistent with the initial suspicion that foul play was involved.
The investigation took a significant step forward after the physical evidence was sent to the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Lab for further analysis. The lab’s findings provided vital insights that helped solidify the case against Chris Nielsen. Meanwhile, the search for Nielsen continued, with investigators working diligently to locate him. During their search, they discovered that Nielsen had a warrant out for his arrest in Will County on an unrelated charge. This led investigators to Bourbonnais, Illinois, where Nielsen was eventually located and arrested.
Nielsen was taken into custody on the Will County warrant and transported to the Will County Jail. However, his legal troubles did not end there. Morris Police Investigators, after compiling enough evidence from the crime scene, autopsy, and forensic analysis, collaborated with Grundy County State’s Attorney Russ Baker. Together, they filed multiple charges against Nielsen, including three counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Felony Domestic Battery, and one count of Felony Aggravated Battery.
The charges against Nielsen are especially disturbing, given the close family relationship between the accused and the victim. The nature of the alleged crime – domestic violence and homicide – has sent shockwaves through the community. Alison’s death has left many questioning how something so violent and tragic could happen within a family, and the sense of betrayal felt by those who knew the family is palpable.
State’s Attorney Russ Baker expressed his condolences to the family of Alison Findley and emphasized the gravity of the charges against Chris Nielsen. He acknowledged the pain that the family has endured and reiterated the commitment of his office to seeking justice for Alison. “We are dedicated to making sure that those who commit such horrific acts are held accountable for their actions,” Baker said.
The arrest and charges against Nielsen are the result of a tireless investigation by the Morris Police Department and the collaboration between the law enforcement agencies involved. The Bourbonnais Police Department, in particular, played an essential role in locating Nielsen, and their assistance in tracking him down was invaluable to the progress of the case. Additionally, the close working relationship between the Grundy County Coroner’s Office and State’s Attorney’s Office helped ensure that the investigation was carried out professionally and efficiently.
While the arrest of Chris Nielsen is a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice for Alison, the case is far from over. Nielsen is now facing serious charges, and his trial will likely draw considerable attention. As the legal process moves forward, Alison’s family, friends, and the Morris community are left to grapple with the loss of a loved one taken too soon and in such a violent manner. The pain of losing a family member to such a horrific act is unimaginable, and it will take time for those closest to Alison to come to terms with the devastating events that unfolded in August 2024.
As for Chris Nielsen, the legal proceedings will determine his guilt or innocence. The charges against him are severe, and if convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. In the coming months, as the case moves through the court system, new information may surface, and more details about the circumstances leading to Alison’s death could emerge.
For now, the focus remains on remembering Alison Findley and honoring her life. While her tragic death has cast a shadow over the community, it is essential to remember the good she brought into the world and the love she shared with those around her. In the wake of this tragedy, those who knew Alison are coming together to support one another and to seek justice for the life that was taken far too soon.
The investigation into Alison Findley’s death has been a difficult and emotional journey for all involved. From the moment she was reported missing to the eventual arrest of her son, the case has been a painful reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence. As the legal process continues, it is hoped that justice will be served and that Alison’s family can find some measure of peace knowing that her death was not in vain.
For now, the community of Morris and the loved ones of Alison Findley can only wait for the justice system to do its work and to honor the memory of a woman who was tragically taken from them.
