Suspect Released on GPS Monitoring is Dead After Allegedly Killing Wife

Man Found Dead in Car a Block Away After Stabbing His Wife

A man suspected of fatally stabbing his wife on Tuesday in Portage Park had already been facing charges for allegedly choking and attempting to kidnap her last month, but he was released on GPS monitoring, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Hours after the Tuesday stabbing, the suspect, 57, was found dead inside a car a block away.

Off-Duty Detective Injured While Trying to Intervene

An off-duty detective witnessed the stabbing about 2:25 p.m. in the 5600 block of West Leland Avenue and suffered a gunshot wound while trying to intervene, according to a preliminary statement from Chicago police. The Area 4 detective fired shots in the suspect’s direction and suffered a graze wound while trying to stop him, police said. The woman, 54, died at the scene. She has not been formally identified by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Investigation Ongoing

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which investigates police shootings, said it responded to the scene and opened a probe.

Previous Charges and Protective Orders

The man was previously charged in a separate attack against his wife on Oct. 9 — the same day he was served with an emergency order of protection she had sought, court records show. Prosecutors filed a petition that day to have him held in Cook County Jail pending trial, but it was denied by Judge Thomas E. Nowinski. Nowinski instead released the suspect on GPS monitoring, ordered him to refrain from possessing weapons and forbade him from visiting his wife’s home, work or school.

History of Abuse and Threats

According to her petition for the protective order, the woman said he grabbed her as she was walking to the bus, tried to cover her mouth to stop her from screaming and attempted to knock her unconscious. She alleged that the suspect was drinking at his home and asked her to leave during an argument, then grabbed her and dragged her into a bathroom. He then allegedly punched, slapped and kicked her while berating her.

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of taking domestic violence seriously and holding perpetrators accountable. Despite previous charges and protective orders, the suspect was released on GPS monitoring and went on to allegedly kill his wife. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect victims.

FAQs

Q: What happened to the suspect?
A: The suspect was found dead inside a car a block away from the scene of the stabbing.

Q: Who was the off-duty detective?
A: The off-duty detective was an Area 4 detective who suffered a gunshot wound while trying to intervene in the stabbing.

Q: What was the suspect’s history of abuse and threats?
A: The suspect had a history of physical and verbal abuse, including choking and attempting to kidnap his wife. He also made threats against her and their children.

Q: Why was the suspect released on GPS monitoring?
A: The suspect was released on GPS monitoring after a judge denied prosecutors’ request to hold him in Cook County Jail pending trial.