Bail denied for Naperville man accused of stabbing sleeping couple

A Naperville man charged with stabbing a couple as they slept in their home was ordered held without bail Thursday morning by DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan.

Zachary Machnikowski, 18, of the 1100 block of Spring Garden Circle, is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder after breaking into the home of William and Mary Lenk on the 900 block of Iroquois Avenue and repeatedly stabbing them around 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, authorities said. He also is charged with home invasion and residential burglary.

Brennan said he believes, based on the court file, that Machnikowski poses a "potential danger to other persons" if he were released on bond. Assistant Public Defender Wayne Brucar did not take a position on the state's request to deny bail.

The Lenks survived the attack after being treated at Edward Hospital for as many as eight stab wounds each to the head and chest area.

Court documents indicate Machnikowski had attended a party earlier in the evening that also was attended by the Lenks' 16-year-old daughter and a female friend who was spending the night at the Lenks' house.

Machnikowski believed the daughter, who police said sneaked out of her house to attend the party, told another person at the gathering she thought Machnikowski was ugly. He then left the party and entered the Lenks' home through a rear door, which he told authorities he knew would be open.

Police said Machnikowski told them he entered the home planning to steal liquor, but instead stabbed the girl's parents as a way to hurt her the way he said her comments hurt him.

During questioning, both Machnikowski and the daughter denied any relationship between them.

Machnikowski will be arraigned April 27.