50 Years For Pure Evil: The Shocking Details Of Michael Sloan Jr.'s Crime Featured On Evil Lives Here

The true crime world was once again gripped by a case of unimaginable betrayal and violence with the Investigation Discovery (ID) episode "He Took My Soul," which chronicled the shocking actions of Michael E. Sloan Jr. The story, which aired as part of the popular series *Evil Lives Here*, exposed the terrifying reality faced by Courtney Tomlinson, whose boyfriend turned into a monster and committed a heinous act of murder against her own mother. The details surrounding the crime, which occurred in late 2022, are particularly brutal, involving a premeditated act of arson and extreme domestic violence.

As of today, December 14, 2025, Michael E. Sloan Jr. is serving a decades-long sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), ensuring he will remain behind bars for the entirety of his life. This comprehensive article delves into the full biography of the killer, the horrific details of the crime, the fate of the victim, and the current status of the man whose evil was exposed to the world.

The Killer's Profile: Michael E. Sloan Jr. Biography

Michael E. Sloan Jr. was the central figure in a tragic case of domestic violence that escalated into a gruesome murder. His profile is key to understanding the narrative presented in the *Evil Lives Here* episode.

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• Full Name: Michael E. Sloan Jr.
• Date of Birth: Circa 1981–1982 (Based on being 40 at the time of the crime).
• Residence at Time of Crime: Troy, Illinois.
• Relationship: Boyfriend of Courtney Tomlinson, and lived with her at the time of the incident.
• Victim: Susanne Tomlinson (69), Courtney's mother.
• Crime Date: September 22, 2022.
• Charges: First-Degree Murder and Attempted Murder (for the assault on Courtney Tomlinson).
• Plea: Pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder in January 2023.
• Sentence: 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
• Current Status: Incarcerated, serving 100% of his sentence without the possibility of parole.

The Gruesome Crime: What Really Happened in Troy, Illinois?

The crime committed by Michael E. Sloan Jr. was not a sudden act of passion, but a terrifying conclusion to a period of escalating domestic abuse against his girlfriend, Courtney Tomlinson. The events of September 22, 2022, in Troy, Illinois, began with an assault on Courtney and ended with the murder of her mother, Susanne Tomlinson.

The Premeditated Attack on Courtney Tomlinson

The events leading up to the murder were detailed in court and later on the ID episode "He Took My Soul." Sloan’s rage was initially directed at Courtney. According to court records, he physically assaulted her, zip-tied her wrists, and held a knife to her throat. In a chilling act of pure malice, he then poured gasoline over her body.

Courtney Tomlinson was able to escape the attack, but Sloan's rampage was far from over. He reportedly fled the scene and drove to a nearby duplex, the home of Courtney’s mother, 69-year-old Susanne Tomlinson.

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The Arson and Murder of Susanne Tomlinson

Sloan Jr. then entered Susanne Tomlinson's home, where he proceeded to douse the residence with gasoline and set it ablaze. Susanne Tomlinson, a beloved member of the Troy community, was tragically killed in the resulting fire. The Madison County State’s Attorney, Thomas Haine, described the murder as a "heinous crime" and an act of "pure evil."

The investigation quickly focused on Sloan, who was apprehended shortly after the fire. The case was handled in the Madison County court system, with the evidence pointing to a clear case of first-degree murder and attempted murder against Courtney.

Justice for Susanne Tomlinson: Michael Sloan Jr.'s Sentence

In the world of true crime, justice is often a complex and drawn-out process. For the family of Susanne Tomlinson, the resolution came relatively quickly with a guilty plea, sparing them the ordeal of a full trial.

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The Guilty Plea and 50-Year Sentence

In January 2023, Michael E. Sloan Jr., then 41, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder before Associate Judge Neal Schroeder. This plea was part of an agreement that saw the attempted murder charge dropped, but it did not reduce the severity of the punishment for the murder itself.

In February 2023, Sloan Jr. was formally sentenced to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The judge mandated that under Illinois state law, Sloan must serve 100% of his 50-year sentence. This means Michael E. Sloan Jr. will not be eligible for release until he is in his 90s, effectively ensuring he will die in prison.

The Impact on Courtney Tomlinson and the Family

The episode "He Took My Soul" is told from the perspective of Courtney Tomlinson, who had to live with the terrifying realization that her boyfriend was a violent killer. Her testimony and cooperation were vital in securing the conviction and sentence. The family of Susanne Tomlinson, including Courtney, expressed relief that Sloan Jr. was sentenced to a term that guarantees he will never be free again.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of escalating domestic violence and the horrific consequences it can have on innocent family members. Susanne Tomlinson was described as a loving mother and grandmother, whose life was brutally cut short by a man her daughter had trusted. The 50-year sentence closes the legal chapter on this tragic case, bringing a measure of peace to the surviving family members.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The investigation and prosecution of Michael E. Sloan Jr. involved several key entities in the Madison County, Illinois area, which solidified the case and led to the guilty verdict. These entities are frequently discussed in the true crime community and provide important context to the case:

• The Victim: Susanne Tomlinson (69)
• The Survivor/Witness: Courtney Tomlinson
• The Location: Troy, Illinois (Madison County)
• The Court: Madison County Circuit Court
• The Judge: Associate Judge Neal Schroeder
• The Prosecutor: Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine
• The Crime: First-Degree Murder, Arson, Domestic Violence
• The Show: *Evil Lives Here* (Investigation Discovery)
• The Episode: "He Took My Soul"

The severity of the crime—dousing a home with gasoline and setting it on fire—was repeatedly emphasized by prosecutors as a “gruesome murder,” highlighting the pure malice behind Sloan's actions. The case serves as a true crime example of a killer who hid his "evil" nature until it was too late, making it a perfect fit for the *Evil Lives Here* series.