Defense: Villa Park daughter shot father in self-defense
A daughter accused of fatally shooting her father in his Villa Park business will testify at her trial next month that she killed him in self-defense.
The new details were revealed Tuesday as lawyers argued some final motions in preparation for the Jan. 5 start of jury selection.
Christy Lentz, 35, may face the rest of her life in prison if she is convicted of the first-degree murder of her father, Michael, 58, more than three years ago.
Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty against the woman, who does not have a prior violent criminal history.
Her defense attorney, Richard Kayne, said Lentz will testify in her own defense that her father was a "stone-cold alcoholic," who possessed 10 to 20 guns, and had a history of verbal and physical violence toward her.
Kayne sought to also allow jurors to hear evidence that Michael Lentz had codeine and Vicodin in his home, located just outside Winfield.
"It's our position he was irrational and started what happened and that's what led to his death," Kayne said. "It certainly goes to my client's state of mind as to what (her father) could be capable of. Certainly, his behavior was altered when he was taking the controlled substances."
Prosecutors said the man's autopsy results showed he was negative for both drugs, but they noted the decomposition of his body may have affected toxicology tests.
DuPage Circuit Judge John Kinsella said the defense only may argue Michael Lentz was under the influence of a prescription drug if evidence exists it influenced his behavior. The judge also is holding a Jan. 4 hearing to rule on testimony the defense wants to present regarding allegations that Michael Lentz was violent.
In a videotaped police interrogation, Christy Lentz said the gun accidentally went off after he came after her and she pushed him away. Prosecutors aren't buying her account since the slain man was shot in the back of the head.
Authorities have not revealed a motive, but they have said Michael Lentz was upset with his daughter's handling of his financial matters. Christy Lentz worked for him in his shop, Industrial Pneumatic Supplies at 220 W. Ridge Road.
The police probe began June 9, 2006, when authorities met with Lentz's two daughters, Christy and Jill, who had reported their father missing. Police didn't initially suspect foul play because Michael Lentz was known to travel between his other homes in Naples, Fla., and Wisconsin.
Detectives grew increasingly suspicious, however, each time they said Christy Lentz delayed their requests to search the Villa Park business and to review certain records. So, armed with a search warrant, detectives made an unannounced visit June 21, 2006.
Authorities detected a foul odor before even entering the building.
Once inside, they found the slain man's remains beneath a pile of clothing in a large garbage drum. His body was wrapped in a tarp bound with electrical tape. Several air fresheners and fans were set up to conceal the odor.
Christy Lentz, who has a young daughter, has been free since July 21, 2006, about one month after her arrest, after posting the required 10 percent of a $3 million bond.