FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED IN KILLING OF HANOVER PARK WOMAN
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that First Degree Murder charges have been filed against 44 year-old Ronald O’Rourke (d.o.b. 4/12/1965) of Crystal lake, in connection with the death of 51 year-old Pamela Howat (d.o.b. 3/4/1958) of Hanover Park. Howat was found deceased last Saturday night at her home after succumbing to stab wounds and other injuries she had received about her head and neck.
On June 6, at approximately 6 p.m., Hanover Park Police Department officers were dispatched to Howat’s residence after an acquaintance discovered her body on the floor of the home and called the police. It is alleged that in the morning hours of Saturday, June 6, O’Rourke broke into the Howat’s home only to be discovered by Howat when she returned home after running some errands. It is further alleged that a physical confrontation ensued between the two resulting in the death of Howat. An investigation into the matter led officers from the Hanover Park Police Department and members of the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force to O’Rourke, who was taken into custody Sunday afternoon without incident.
“I would like to thank the Hanover Park Police Department, members of the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Joe Ruggiero for their extended efforts in solving this vicious crime,” commented Birkett. “This is a senseless crime that will be met with the full extent of the law.”
First Degree Murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
O’Rourke appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge Kathryn Creswell ordered he be held without bond. He is scheduled for arraignment on July 13 in front of Judge Creswell.
“The excellent work done by all the individuals involved in this investigation has brought a quick resolution to this tragic incident” remarked Hanover Park Interim Police Chief David Webb. “We are committed to the safety of the citizens of Hanover Park.”
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.
