Vernon Hills murder case to go to grand jury

The case against a 21-year-old Deerfield man accused of murdering his girlfriend's mother in Vernon Hills will be reviewed by a Lake County grand jury Wednesday, officials said.

Deputy State's Attorney Jeff Pavletic said the panel will be asked to indict Daniel Baker in the April 1 beating death of Marina Aksman, 50.

Baker was charged with first-degree murder after police said he drove his car into the front of Aksman's house on Olympic Drive, then burst through the back door wielding a baseball bat.

Police said Baker was enraged by Marina Aksman's efforts to end the relationship between Baker and her daughter, Kristina Aksman, 20.

As her daughter looked on in terror, police said, Baker struck Marina Aksman in the head repeatedly with the bat.

Baker then took Kristina, some cash from the house and Marina Aksman's 2009 Nissan Rouge and fled the state, police said.

The couple was caught five days later in Northern Montana, and police said Baker gave them a statement admitting the crime.

Pavletic said the grand jury will be asked to determine by issuing the indictment that there is enough evidence against Baker to proceed with prosecuting him for the crime.

Pavletic said he would not comment on the specific charges he will ask the grand jury to authorize against Baker or the evidence he intends to present.

Baker is currently being held without bond, and Kristina Aksman was not charged in the case.