Marengo Man Found Guilty of Attempt Murder of Law Enforcement Officer

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced that Charles Anthony, 24 (d.o.b. 6/04/80), of 4106 Ritz Road in Marengo was found guilty today of Attempt First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer in connection with a January 2, 2004 assault that took place in the DuPage County Jail in Wheaton.  Judge George Bakalis announced his verdict following a two day bench trial.  He continued the case to February 9th at 8:30 a.m. in court room 4006 for post trial motions and sentencing.  Anthony is eligible to serve up to eighty (80) years in prison due to the fact that the Attempt Murder involved a Peace Officer in the course of performing his official duties.

On January 2, 2004, Anthony was in the custody of the DuPage County Jail for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.  While in custody, a detective of the Marengo Police Department came out to the Wheaton jail to question Anthony regarding unsolved crimes that had occurred within their jurisdiction.  After the questioning was concluded, Anthony told DuPage County Sheriff’s Deputies that he wished to speak to the Marengo detective again.  Once the detective and the defendant were back in the interview room, Anthony punched the detective, rendering him unconscious, then repeatedly struck him causing multiple fractures to his head and face.  According to witnesses that testified, the detective was so badly beaten that his face was unrecognizable.  When DuPage County Deputies re-entered the interview room, they found Anthony in the course of putting the detective’s clothes on while the victim lay unconscious in a pool of blood.  They subdued him and placed him into custody again.  The Marengo detective was taken to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield where he remained for several days being treated for his injuries.

“I am extremely proud of Assistant State’s Attorneys Kevin Halverson and Helen Kapas for their outstanding job in the prosecution of this case, as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Knight for his role in the investigation,” commented State’s Attorney Birkett.  “In addition, I would like to thank the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and immediate medical attention that saved the life of this Marengo Detective.  As a result of the cooperation of law enforcement, justice was served for this officer of the law who was victimized so brutally by this defendant.” 

Anthony will remain in the custody of the DuPage County Jail in Wheaton pending his sentencing on February 9th.

“Law enforcement officers work day in and day out serving and protecting the public,” State’s Attorney Birkett further added.  “When one of those officers is victimized during the course of their official duties, we will seek a full measure of justice.”