Testimony continues in Wheeling rape trial

A police officer’s testimony suggested how an assailant might have accessed the second-floor Wheeling condominium where prosecutors say Matthew Schaffer, 33, raped a 31-year-old woman in the early morning hours of May 23, 2010.

That testimony came as Schaffer’s trial on charges of criminal sexual assault, home invasion and armed robbery entered its second day. Prosecutors say Schaffer wore gloves and a mask made of pantyhose when he broke into the condo brandishing a gun and a knife. The woman testified that he repeatedly threatened to kill her if she made a noise. She said he handcuffed and sexually assaulted her and fled, taking her wedding ring, Cartier watch and other property.

Schaffer’s attorneys claim that he and the woman knew each other and the sex was consensual. They also say her description of the assailant doesn’t match their client.

Wheeling evidence technician Michael Bieschke testified that among the items he collected was a T-shirt the woman wore the day of the assault. Wheeling detective Michael Conway later testified that DNA recovered from the shirt matched Schaffer’s DNA.

Bieschke also testified he saw a 3½-inch slit in the screen door, through which prosecutors suggested Schaffer unlocked the door and entered the home. Bieschke also testified about finding a metal grate with a bent slat under the condo’s balcony, which also was located above a small retention wall. Bieschke, who at about 6 feet is taller than the defendant, testified he accessed the balcony by standing on the retention wall and hoisting himself up by the railing.

Conway also testified that a Cartier watch with a serial number matching the watch taken from the woman was found at a Chicago pawnshop, where it had been pawned for $500 four days after the attack.

The address on the pawnshop receipt gave Schaffer’s name, Highland Park address and passport number. Conway testified that Schaffer said the watch had belonged to his ex-wife.

“I told him I didn’t believe that watch was his ex-wife’s, and I could prove it,” Conway testified. “I told him I knew he assaulted a woman in Wheeling. At that time he blurted out, ‘I didn’t know those people.’”

The trial resumes Thursday in Rolling Meadows, with defense attorneys indicating Schaffer will testify.