WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL — A woman from Benton is facing serious charges after she unlawfully entered the site of an active homicide investigation in rural Williamson County to photograph the crime scene and steal personal property.
On July 2, 2025, at approximately 7:58 p.m., Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 8000 block of Chittyville Road following a report of trespassing. The home was the location of a recent homicide investigation that began on June 30, 2025.
As deputies arrived, they observed a vehicle leaving the area and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Karli M. Betance of Benton, Illinois, initially denied being on the property. However, during the stop, Betance admitted she had returned to the residence alone after previously being there earlier that evening with two other passengers who declined to go inside.
Admission of Guilt
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Betance confessed to the following:
•She dropped off her passengers in Marion before returning alone.
•She drove around a locked gate that was clearly marked with “No Trespassing” signs.
•She entered the residence, which had already been processed by investigators and returned to its legal owner.
•Once inside, she photographed graphic images of the crime scene.
•She also stole personal items from both the first and second floors of the house, referring to them as “souvenirs.”
“This was a blatant act of disrespect to the investigation and to the memory of the victim. Fortunately, the crime scene had already been thoroughly processed and turned over to the owner, so no evidence was compromised,” said Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
Charges Filed
Karli Betance was taken into custody and transported to the Williamson County Jail. She now faces the following charges:
•Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-1) – Class 3 Felony
•Criminal Trespass to Residence (720 ILCS 5/19-4) – Class A Misdemeanor
•Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-1) – Class A Misdemeanor
•Disobeying a Stop Sign (625 ILCS 5/11-1204b) – Petty Offense
•Improper Lane Usage (625 ILCS 5/11-709) – Petty Offense
•Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (625 ILCS 5/3-707) – Business Offense
A cell phone belonging to Betance that contained explicit photographs of the scene was seized as evidence. The content of the phone and its legal handling will be subject to court proceedings and judicial review.
Community Cooperation Encouraged
Sheriff Diederich extended thanks to Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for his support and emphasized the importance of respecting active and post-investigation crime scenes.
“It’s important to remember that crime scenes aren’t spectacles—they are sacred spaces tied to real lives and families,” Diederich added. “Entering them unlawfully is not only criminal—it’s profoundly disrespectful.”
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this incident—or any related investigations—to call 618-997-6541, or submit tips through the Williamson County Sheriff’s App, available on both the App Store and Google Play. Anonymous tips are welcome.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that interfering with crime scenes—especially for personal gain or curiosity—carries both legal and moral consequences.
