Main suspect in Elgin kidnapping, torture is captured
The primary suspect in a February kidnapping and torture of a 19-year-old in Elgin has been arrested in Mexico and is being held on $200,000 bail in Kane County jail.
Luis M. Palomar, 18, of the 0-99 block of Clark Avenue, Lake in the Hills, was in court briefly Wednesday where he faces charges of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping causing great bodily harm and other felonies, according to court records.
Palomar and four female suspects are accused of working together to kidnap an 18-year-old from Belvidere, who was at a tattoo party on the 500 block of Levine Court in Elgin the night of Feb. 26.
The teen was forced to strip naked, then was beaten and burned with cigarettes with a focus being on a matching shoulder tattoo that she had with her ex-boyfriend, Palomar, according to a police affidavit used to secure a search warrant of a residence on the 300 block of Raymond Street, Elgin.
After the beatings, the victim was told to shower because she had bled on the carpet.
She was found the morning of Feb. 27, after police responded to a call that woman was being held against her will.
In days afterward, police arrested three female suspects - Megan Lino, 19, of Carpentersville, and Ruby Gomez, 19, and Kassandra Delgado, 20, both of Elgin.
Palomar's minor girlfriend also is wanted; information on her whereabouts was not available.
Elgin Deputy Police Chief Bill Wolf said U.S. Marshals arrested Palomar March 22 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and he was held at the Los Angeles County jail before his extradition to Kane County on April 15.
Palomar must post $20,000 bond to be released from jail while the case is pending.
A judge last month denied a move by Palomar's defense attorney to have his bond reduced.
If Palomar does post bond, he must turn over his passport, not possess any weapons, or have any contact with the victim or co-defendants, records show.
Alison Motta, a defense attorney for Palomar, did not immediately return a phone message Wednesday.
Palomar is next due in court on June 16.
He faces between six and 30 years in prison if convicted of the most severe charge.