City of Aurora issued the following announcement on April 7.
This week, my office has received an unprecedented amount of correspondence from the community regarding Wayside Cross Ministries’ decision to allow Thomas Kokoraleis to reside at their facility in Aurora.
Consequently, my stance is even stronger given the mass outcry and serious concern, and I continue to ask Wayside to listen to the community, and rectify this matter by reversing their decision and relocating Kokoraleis.
My staff and I have met the leadership of Wayside twice this week, including during a special meeting of the Wayside Board of Directors – most of whom do not live in Aurora - held at their facility last night. The Board listened as we expressed the urgent concerns we have received from throughout the entire community.
Wayside has informed us that while they are still deliberating a solution to address the safety concerns of the Aurora community, they have implemented heightened security measures, including placing a full-time monitor with Kokoraleis and adding safety personnel on the property.
While we appreciate these temporary actions, our request remains the same – to expeditiously reverse their initial decision and to relocate Kokoraleis outside of Aurora.
In an Aurora Beacon News article, Kokoraelis said in his own words, “I get angry at times.” Clearly, three decades in prison, which included regular spiritual counseling, did not calm his volatile nature.
Furthermore, in the same article, Kokoraleis stated, “I’m really trying to change my ways, my beliefs.”
Trying to change. Trying.
As part of the Ripper Crew, his beliefs rooted in cult-like rituals inspired his “ways” that led to the murder of Lorraine Ann Borowski and the alleged murder and mutilation of 18 more women. After 35 years in prison and regular spiritual counseling, he is admittedly still “trying” to change.
I will say it again, this is a risk the people of Aurora shouldn’t have to take.
Although I have supported Wayside’s mission in the past, I will not support a decision to keep Kokoraleis in Aurora. Wayside should reverse its decision and relocate him.
Concerned community members should contact Wayside Cross Ministries directly by calling 630.892.4239, emailing info@waysidecross.org or visiting 215 E. New York St.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Aurora
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