FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED AGAINST GLENDALE HEIGHTS MAN
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that First Degree Murder charges have been filed against 44 year-old George M. Panos (d.o.b. 7/27/1964) of Glendale Heights, in connection with the death of his 79 year-old father George Panos. In addition to the First Degree Murder charges, Panos also faces one count of Solicitation of Murder.
It is alleged that just after midnight on January 25, 2009, Panos suffocated his father with a pillow as he slept. It is further alleged that earlier in the day, Panos approached another individual expressing his interest in having his father killed.
“If these allegations are proven true, it is clear that George Panos wanted January 25, 2009 to be his father’s last day on earth,” commented Birkett. “Unable to find someone else to take his father’s life, George Panos allegedly took it himself. Domestic violence continues to be a top priority of my administration and while this case is not typical of domestic violence it is just that. We, as a society, need to do a better job of educating and informing the public that there are places to turn for help and that they do not have to resort to violence. The bottom line is that suspected elder abuse, like child abuse, must be reported. By doing so, you may save a life. If someone you know may be the victim of elder abuse, it is your obligation to contact police who can conduct an investigation to see if the elderly person’s health or safety is in jeopardy.”
Birkett went on to praise the Glendale Heights Police Department for their work in apprehending Mr. Panos. “I would like to thank the Glendale Heights Police Department for their outstanding police work in their investigation of the murder of George Panos.”
First Degree Murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Panos could potentially face life in prison if it is proven that the murder of his father was pre-meditated.
Panos appeared in bond court this morning where his bond was set at $2 million full cash bond. His next court date is scheduled for February 23, 2009.
Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are 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.
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