Illinois family missing since FEBRUARY after dad heard talking to ‘clown mask about killing family’
A mother and her two sons have been missing for two months after the family’s father, a drug addict, was released from prison and told a “clown mask” to kill his family.
Stephen Lutz, 44, who suffers from multiple personality disorders, was released on January 19 after being charged with several domestic battery offenses.
But he, along with his wife, Monica, 34, and two sons Aiden, 11, and Nicholas, 9, have not been seen since they were last seen at their family home in Newton, Illinois, on Feb. 10.
Days before the family disappeared, Aiden told his grandmother and adult sister on two separate occasions that he had walked into his father’s house and told a clown mask in his bedroom to “kill three people,” according to Gia Wright of the Missing Persons Awareness Network (MPAN ).
Ms Wright said the grandmother and sister said Aiden “heard his dad talking to the clown and said the following (literally). “I know what to do. I have to kill three people. I must first kill my wife, then Aiden, then Nicholas.”
Aiden, 11, (left), and Nicholas, 9, have been homeschooled since 2019. Days before they disappeared, Aiden reportedly heard dad telling a clown mask in his bedroom to ‘kill three people’
Stephen Lutz, 44, (left), had been released from prison following domestic violence allegations, on the condition that he stay away from his wife, Monica, 34, (right) and their two sons
Friends and family say Mr Lutz showed signs of split personality disorder and had mental health problems, including paranoia, throughout his life
Aiden and Nicholas with their grandmother, who told Aiden about his father’s disturbing behavior days before their disappearance
The family home in Newton, Illinois, was inspected on April 3. The windows were covered with sheets and no one was found inside
Witnesses said the Lutz’s home was normally “flawless,” but it now looked “like a tornado hit every inch of the house.”
The children’s clothes were still in the drawers and cupboards and a suitcase was open on the parents’ bed ‘as if someone packed and left adult clothes’
On the afternoon of the family’s disappearance, a U-Haul was seen at the residence attached to Mr. Lutz’s pickup truck.
After his release from prison, Mr. Lutz was under strict conditions not to contact his wife or go to their home.
But on the afternoon of the family’s disappearance, a U-Haul was seen at the residence attached to Mr. Lutz’s pickup, but the family did not tell anyone they were leaving, Ms. Wright said.
Family phones pinged in Richmond, Indiana, but disconnected shortly after.
Mr. Lutz has been in trouble with the law since 2006 for his abuse of Meth. Friends and family say he had signs of split personality disorder and had mental health issues, including paranoia, throughout his life.
When their home was inspected by MPAN and officers on April 3, the windows were covered with sheets and no one was found inside.
Ms. Wright said the Lutz’s home was normally “flawless” but now it looked “like a tornado hit every inch of the house.”
She said the children’s clothes were still in their drawers and closets and a suitcase was open on the parents’ bed “as if someone packed and left adult clothes.”
The house cat was left outside and has now been rescued.
When the residence was visited again on April 10, a rifle was found, with a silencer and a sight.
Aiden and Nicholas have been homeschooled since 2019.
Ms Wright added: ‘They could be anywhere in the US. It is even possible that they crossed the American border, but that is not known anyway.’
Newton police said there are no signs that anyone in the family is in immediate danger, but they are still taking necessary precautions.