Judd Fonnerelli
| Judd Fonnerelli | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
Judd Salvador Fonnerelli November 1, 1935 New Prairie, WI |
| Died |
October 30, 1998 (aged 62) New Prairie, WI |
| Cause of death | Murdered by Herbert Garrison |
| Occupation | Mayor, Politics |
| Title | Mayor |
| Spouse(s) | Helen Fonnerelli |
| Children | Claire Fonnerelli (daughter) |
| School | New Prairie High |
| Year | 1950 to 1954 |
Judd Fonnerelli was New Prairie's longest running Mayor, and father of Dark Killer victim Claire Fonnerelli.
Bio
Early Days in Office
Judd attended the University of Wisconsin—Madison, studying politics from 1954 to 1960. Moved back to New Prairie during the spring of 1960 and the following year ran for Mayor but lost to Howard Stevenson. 8 years later, after Stevenson decided to leave office, he ran again and won. Judd was at the heart of a major scandal in 1974 after he was accused of threatening the life of an employee. After a three-month court trial, the case was thrown out.
Career Resurgence
His public image continued to falter, reaching its worst right before the great fire of 1976 occurred. Six months later, after countless failures in the revival of the town, he was approached by J.P. Derelli. The two made a deal, and JP donated money to help rebuild the city, again, turning Judd into a hero in the city’s eyes. For the next 20 years, he continued to be the town’s favorite Mayor and remained in office.
Daughter Kidnapping and Death
In 1992, his daughter Claire was kidnapped by Eugene Niron. Niron threatened to kill Claire unless Judd resigned as Mayor and allowed new blood to enter the office. Judd contemplated doing it to save his daughter; however, the police were able to quickly find that Niron was hiding in the old abandoned Weaver Hotel and arrested him.
Three years later, Claire was murdered by the urban legend Dark Killer during a party with friends. Her death took a serious toll on Judd's life and health.
Death
By 1998, Judd's health had begun to decline, and he decided to resign as Mayor. During a public speech where he intended to announce his resignation, a Chicago hit man Herbert Garrison sitting in the audience opened fire, killing Judd.
Judd is buried in Oak Park Cemetery alongside his mother and daughter.
Character Connections
Appearances
Films
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Stories
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