DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and Woodridge Police Chief Steve Herron announced today that Jeffrey McCree, 33 (d.o.b. 11/14/70) most recently of 7233 Woodward Avenue in Woodridge has been charged with one (1) count of First Degree Murder and one (1) count of Concealment of Death by Homicidal Means in connection with the April 28 strangulation murder of his wife, Vida McCree, 41, a citizen of Ghana.

On April 29th, the victim’s roommate filed a missing person report with the Woodridge Police Department, claiming that she had not seen Vida since the morning of April 28th. On April 29th, the Chicago Police Department responded to the 4600 block of Ohio Street to investigate a report of a body found, which was later identified as that of Vida McCree. The victim’s vehicle, which had also been reported missing on April 28th, was later recovered by police. The victim’s husband was located in Chicago and later arrested.

It is alleged that Jeffrey McCree began living with the victim and her roommate on April 23rd at their Woodridge apartment. It is further alleged that on the morning of April 28th, the defendant strangled and killed Vida. It is alleged that he stuffed Vida’s body into a large suitcase and transported the body to a dumpster in Chicago.

State’s Attorney Birkett approved charges of First Degree Murder and Concealment of a Death by Homicidal Means against Jeffrey McCree late last night and he was transported to the DuPage County Jail in Wheaton. He appeared in bond court this morning where Judge Bruce Kelsey set his bond at $1.5 million. He is next scheduled to appear in court on June 7th at 9 a.m. in courtroom 4012 before Judge Robert Anderson for arraignment.

If found guilty of these offenses, First Degree Murder carries a penalty of 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections while Concealment of a Death by Homicidal Means is a Class 3 felony with penalties of 2-5 years in prison.

State’s Attorney Birkett praised the efforts of the Woodridge Police Department under the direction of Chief Herron for their outstanding work in this case, as well as the Chicago Police Department and FIAT, the Felony Investigations Assistance Team, for their assistance throughout the course of this investigation. In addition, he thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Alex McGimpsey and Beth Szerlong of his office for their assistance.

"Vida McCree suffered a horrible death, allegedly at the hands of her husband," commented State’s Attorney Birkett. "Our sympathy goes out to her family and friends who are mourning her loss."

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.