Video: Timothy Doll speaks at sentencing in DeKalb teen’s murder: ‘A lot of you see me as a monster’

August 15, 2025 at 7:32 am CDT

Timothy Doll, who pleaded guilty to murdering DeKalb High School freshman Gracie Sasso-Cleveland in 2023, makes an allocution statement Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, during his sentencing hearing at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore. Doll was sentenced to 52 years in prison. (Mark Busch)

Timothy M. Doll, 32, of DeKalb apologized to the family of 15-year-old Gracie Sasso-Cleveland on Thursday before he was sentenced to 52 years for the DeKalb High School freshman’s murder.

Doll told the court he “deserves every year I am given,” and said he still cared for Gracie, whom he suffocated to death on May 4, 2023, at his apartment. He pleaded guilty before Judge Philip Montgomery in February. He was a convicted sex offender at the time of her killing, records show.

[ DeKalb man gets 52 years for murder of 15-year-old Gracie Sasso-Cleveland ]

Video: Timothy Doll says 'I deserve every year I am given' at sentencing for murder of DeKalb teen Timothy M. Doll of DeKalb apologized to the family of 15-year-old Gracie Sasso-Cleveland on Thursday before he was sentenced to 52 years for her murder.

Kelsey Rettke

Kelsey Rettke is the editor of the Daily Chronicle, part of Shaw Media and DeKalb County's only daily newspaper devoted to local news, crime and courts, government, business, sports and community coverage. Kelsey also covers breaking news for Shaw Media Local News Network.