Vernon Hills murder suspect posts bond, placed on 24-hour curfew

The man accused of murdering his wife in Vernon Hills last month posted $300,000 in cash for bond Tuesday and walked out of jail.

A Lake County judge placed numerous conditions on Ronald Stolberg's movements while he is free, requiring Stolberg to remain inside his mother's Cook County residence at almost all times.

Stolberg, 47, is charged with killing his wife, Rachel Stolberg, 54, during an argument inside their home June 8.

Police said Stolberg pushed his wife to the ground, then held her facedown on the floor by pushing his knee into her back.

An autopsy determined Rachel Stolberg died of asphyxiation, and Ronald Stolberg was ordered held on $3 million bond.

On Tuesday, Stolberg's attorneys William Hedrick and Kevin Rosner appeared before Circuit Judge Fred Foreman and announced that Stolberg's mother was prepared to post the $300,000 for his release.

Assistant State's Attorney James Newman asked for Stolberg to be released only under a 24-hour curfew that would force him to remain inside his mother's residence.

Hedrick objected, saying Stolberg “would just be going to another jail,” if forced to remain inside one place at all times.

“We would like him to be able to see his doctors and visit his attorneys,” Hedrick said. “We also think he should be allowed to attend grief counseling and to go to the grocery store.”

Foreman said he would allow Stolberg to leave his mother's residence only to visit his attorneys and to attend whatever mental health treatment he was undergoing.

Foreman also said Stolberg would have to wear an electronic monitor provided by the Lake County sheriff's office.

He also said Stolberg would be monitored by the Lake County probation office and would have to check in with them regularly and be prepared for probation officers to make unannounced visits to his home.

Foreman ordered Stolberg to appear in court Aug. 30 and said he would review Stolberg's performance while free from custody at that time.