Joseph Lawrence "Joey" Didier, a 15-year-old boy from Rockford, Illinois, tragically lost his life on March 4, 1975. Joey was delivering newspapers in Rockford when he was abducted by Robert Henry Lower. Lower sexually assaulted and killed Joey. His body was discovered 11 days later in a cabin in Jo Daviess County. This heinous crime struck fear and terror in the community, especially among parents whose children delivered newspapers.
Robert Henry Lower, the perpetrator, was convicted of
Joey's murder in 1975. At the time, the death penalty was not an option, so Lower received an indeterminate sentence of 100 to 150 years. This made him eligible for parole every few years, forcing Joey's family to relive the painful incident repeatedly as they fought to keep Lower behind bars. Lower never received a single vote in favor of release since he first became eligible for parole in 1985.
Joey's family, including his sister Diane Didier-Adolphson, expressed relief when Lower died in prison in 2017. Diane took it upon herself to ensure Lower remained incarcerated after their parents passed away. The community of Rockford, along with local businesses and the Register Star, supported the Didier family by signing petitions to keep Lower in prison. Lower's death brought a sense of closure to the family, although the memory of the crime will always linger.
Joey Didier's case remains one of Rockford's most infamous killings, leaving a lasting impact on the community. The crime not only devastated Joey's family but also changed the way parents viewed the safety of their children. The community's support and the family's resilience in seeking justice for Joey highlight the enduring strength and unity in the face of such a tragic event.
