Steven Kellmann, a 30-year-old Brookfield man, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. The victim was 65-year-old retired teacher Marilyn Fay.
There may not be much that his Chicago criminal defense attorney can for him, if the evidence holds up in court, since Steven Kellmann has a long arrest record.
Marilyn Fay's body was found in her Brookfield home with multiple stab wounds. Authorities told reporters they were tipped off when they found her 2002 SUV parked two blocks away from her home. They conducted a well-being check and discovered her body.
Chicago police also arrested a 23-year-old woman connected to the suspect but the Chicago Sun-Times reported that no charges were brought against her.
Marilyn Fay died of multiple stab wounds and asphyxia from the assault, according to the details of an autopsy report released by the Cook County medical examiner's office. Neighbors and acquaintances were shocked by the gruesome violence of the attack.
Steven Kellmann's unidentified mother blamed many of her son's problems on a girlfriend she said was a bad influence; it's not clear if the 23-year-old woman who was arrested is his girlfriend. But the defendant's mother fell short of defending his arrest record or his other personal problems:
"I love my son. I'm sorry for what he's done. But he has to pay the consequences for it. No one else can."
Steven Kellmann's brother, also not named by reporters, said he struggled with a serious drug problem that made him violent:
"When he's sober he's a great person. But when the drugs take over he's a different person."
All Chicago crime suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty and are entitled to the counsel of an Illinois criminal defense attorney.
Related Resources:
-
Illinois Capital Punishment Laws (FindLaw)
-
Felony-Murder Rule (FindLaw's LawBrain)
-
Scott Roeder Convicted of First Degree Murder of George Tiller (FindLaw's Decided Blog)
-
Call a Chicago Criminal Attorney (FindLaw)
