Two college students charged in attempted murder at Schaumburg hotel

Two community college students were charged with the attempted murder of a 43-year-old Schaumburg man after authorities say they broke into the victim’s hotel room and severely beat and robbed the man who earlier in the evening flashed cash in the parking lot and made a sexual overture to one of the men.

Mitchell ATS Barnes, 19, of the 100 block of Algonquin Road in Barrington Hills and Joseph K. Stein, 20, of the 1500 block of Barrington Court in Algonquin were charged Friday with one count each of attempted first-degree murder and home invasion in connection with the attack, which occurred about 4 a.m. Aug. 13.

The two recently had been homeless, living with friends and staying in hotel rooms, said Cook County assistant public defenders appointed to represent them at a hearing Friday afternoon where Cook County Judge Kay Hanlon set bail at $150,000 for Barnes and $100,000 for Stein. They must post 10 percent to be released from custody. Their next court date is Sept. 9.

The victim remained in St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates on Friday, police said. His injuries include torn thyroid cartilage, broken ribs, a punctured lung, fractured vertebrae, a fractured lower left leg, severe bruises and a footprint-shaped bruise on his face, Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Walsh said.

The initial meeting between the parties consisted of a conversation in the parking lot, said Schaumburg police Sgt. John Nebl. Prosecutors said the victim reportedly made a sexual overture to Stein while showing him a money clip containing $500.

Investigators believe that Barnes, a Harper College student, and Stein, an Elgin Community College student, later decided to target the man while drinking and smoking marijuana in a room across the hall from the victim.

While another person served as a lookout, Barnes knocked on the door. After the man admitted him to the room at the Homewood Suites, 51 E. State Parkway, Barnes forced him to the floor and put him in a chokehold, Walsh said. Barnes continued to choke the victim while Stein kicked him twice in the body and took his wallet from the dresser, Walsh said.

Prosecutors say Barnes inflicted most of the injuries, including a kick to face that left a visible imprint. Believing the victim was dead, the defendants left the room, Walsh said.

They went to purchase gas but were unable to use the victim’s credit card because they didn’t know his ZIP code, she said. They later threw the credit card on the hotel roof.

Schaumburg investigators reportedly had one of the suspects in custody and several witnesses identified within a few days. The U.S. marshal’s office assisted Schaumburg detectives in locating and arresting the second suspect Thursday night in Chicago, police said.

“It is gratifying to see a quick and successful resolution to a serious and isolated case like this one,” Schaumburg Police Chief Brian Howerton said in a written release Friday morning.

Charges: Authorities say men believed victim was dead