Author: Paul Stukel

According to multiple press reports, 14-year-old St. Charles resident Jordan Laskowski was killed in a car crash last weekend in central Indiana while returning from spring break. According to the reports, Laskowski, along with his two sisters, his mother and grandmother, was in a vehicle heading northbound on I-65 when the crash occurred. Laskowski and his sister were both ejected from the vehicle. Laskowski was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His 12-year-old sister Riley was listed in critical condition, according to police. His obituary painted the picture of a remarkable young man. “His competitive spirit…

A Streator man has been convicted of murder and attempted murder in the shooting death of 29-year-old Aurora resident Andrew Contreras in January 2021. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced yesterday that a jury has found Rodolfo Madrigal guilty of first-degree murder, a class M felony; and attempt first-degree murder, a class X felony. According to prosecutors, on the morning of January 12, 2021, Madrigal used a firearm to shoot Contreras and another man, Brandon Dlugopolski, killing Contreras. The prosecution successfully asserted that Madrigal’s intent was to kill both men. “Our sympathy goes out to the families of both…

Two Aurora men are in custody after being charges with gun and drug charges after a routine traffic stop by Kane County Sheriff’s detectives in Sugar Grove. According to a press release from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 4:29pm on Friday, March 28, Kane County Sheriff’s detectives conducted a traffic stop on a gray GMC SUV at Illinois Route 47 and Finley Road for a violation that initially occurred eastbound on I-88, west of Illinois Route 47. The detectives observed the vehicle following traffic too closely along with a lane violation. Before approaching the SUV, the detectives observed…

A man is in hospital after being shot early Wednesday evening on Aurora’s west side. At approximately 5:16pm Wednesday, Aurora Police officers responded to a report of a battery in the 700 block of Spruce Street where they discovered a man suffering from a single gunshot wound. Aurora Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening. No other injuries were reported during the incident. Detectives from the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and began investigating the specific circumstances of the incident. Evidence Technicians…

A 56-year-old teacher at Neuqua Valley High School is in custody after being arrested today following an investigation into allegations that he was having an inappropriate relationship with a student. The suspect, who lives in La Grange, has been charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 1 felony, one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony, and one count of Grooming, a Class 4 felony. According to police, school officials informed the Naperville Police Department on March 7 that they had received an anonymous tip alleging an inappropriate relationship between the suspect and…

Update: The family of Karen Schepers has issued a statement, conveyed by the Elgin Police Department, regarding recent events leading to the discovery of her remains in a vehicle submerged in the Fox River. “We would like to thank the Elgin Police Department – especially Chief Lalley, Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian and retired Officer Mike Gough for their dedication to the Cold Case program that brought Karen back to us after so many years. “As we each heard the news that her car was found, time stopped while we drew an audible gasp. When it started back up…

On an election day that saw two incumbents voted out of office and another win an historic 12th term, there was plenty of drama to satisfy even the most ardent political junkie. In Aurora, incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin, who ran unsuccessully for governor in the middle of his second term, was denied a third by Alderman John Laesch, a candidate who had made three unsuccessful runs (2 for Congress, one for mayor in 2021) before winning an alderman’s seat in 2023. Irvin, despite successful efforts to revitalize Aurora’s downtown and increase public safety, lost 52.5% to 47.5% according to unofficial…

Update: According to Village of Carpentersville President John Skillman, a child who was hospitalized following Sunday’s house fire has passed away. In all, three children, all under the age of 3, perished in the tragedy. Kane County Coroner Monica Silva stated that the identities of the children have not yet been confirmed. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz indicated that it may take several weeks to make an official report. An investigation is ongoing by the Carpentersville Fire Department in cooperation with the Illinois State Fire Marshall and Kane County Task…

According to numerous news outlets, two children – described as “toddlers” – were tragically killed in a house fire in Carpentersville Sunday morning. Two other victims, including another a child, were hospitalized. Their condition is unknown at this time. According to reports, Carpentersville Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz stated that six people were inside the residence at 1726 Kingston Circle in Carpentersville at the time of the fire. The remaining two victims “refused medical treatment.” According to a press release from the Carpentersville Fire Department, the department and mutual aid companies responded to the fire at about 9:38am Sunday morning, roughly…