Elgin frying pan murder suspect sent for more treatment
An Elgin woman accused of beating her boyfriend to death with a frying pan in August 2012 has been found unfit to stand trial for a second time.
Nora Leach-Peterson, 37, formerly of the 100 block of State Street, was moved last week from the Kane County jail to the Elgin Mental Health Center for treatment, officials said.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed with an evaluation in January she was unfit to stand trial for the murder of Michael N. Mielczarek, 55.
Authorities say Peterson hit him on the head with a frying pan, causing him to fall and sustain a head injury that resulted in his death on Aug. 18, 2012.
A judge ordered Peterson be treated for as long as a year in an effort to have her restored to fitness for trial so she could assist in her own defense.
In January 2013, Peterson was first deemed unfit to stand trial after several interviews at the Kane County Diagnostic Center, according to court records.
What prompted this latest development in her case is unclear; the evaluation report is sealed and confidential.
Kane County Sheriff's Lt. Pat Gengler said Peterson had been moved from the jail to the Elgin Mental Health Center, but he could not specify for how long.
Peterson is next due in court April 9.
If convicted of murder, she faces between 20 and 60 years in prison with no chance for early release.
Congrats to Aurora police
Four Aurora police officers recently were named Co-Employees of the Year for their response to a domestic violence attack in May 2014.
Officers William Melendez, Christopher Grandchamp, Peter Briddell and Investigator Patrick Camardo were honored for their response to a near west side apartment where a man had beat a woman, fought with officers and injured two of them before he was Tasered.
North Aurora Officer John Kerlin also helped.
"The actions of these officers to force entry into a residence to stop an ongoing attack and the restraint showed in making an arrest even after they were injured themselves, demonstrates the professionalism of the individual officers and how well they represent the Aurora Police Department," Chief Greg Thomas said.
Free legal advice
The Kane County Bar Association will hold the latest installment of "Ask A Lawyer" Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
People can call (630) 762-1900 for a free consultation with a volunteer attorney on matters ranging from real estate and divorce cases to criminal and child custody cases.
Please do not leave a voice mail since the attorneys cannot access it.