Naperville stabbing victim dies days after attack

A Naperville man has died of injuries he sustained in a recent stabbing, police said Monday.

Michael J. Fairbanks, 18, died at 4 p.m. Sunday at Edward Hospital, four days after the incident. Authorities said his accused assailant may face additional charges.

Naperville police were called to the 1300 block of Keats Avenue about 5:40 p.m. Nov. 26. They believe Fairbanks was involved in an altercation with Cortez Branch, 21, of 1088 Bothwell Lane, Bolingbrook, when he was stabbed.

The incident occurred in a parkway less than a mile from Fairbanks' home, according to Cmdr. Dave Hoffman. Police are not releasing information as to whether Fairbanks and Branch knew each other or the cause of the dispute.

Branch voluntarily submitted to questioning at the police department and was subsequently arrested.

He is in custody at the Will County jail on charges of aggravated battery and armed violence, both felonies. Police and the Will County state's attorney's office will meet later this week to discuss additional charges in the wake of Fairbanks' death, authorities said.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police at (630) 420-6666.

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