McHenry man charged with attempted murder in stabbing

A judge set bond at $500,000 Thursday for a 30-year-old McHenry man accused of trying to stab his brother-in-law to death Wednesday during a over his children.

Luis Gaytan, of the 4500 block of Garden Quarter, faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon stemming from the 3:50 p.m. attack that left the victim hospitalized, initially in critical condition, with multiple stab wounds.

Esteban Garcia, 33, has since been upgraded to fair condition at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Gaytan was treated for injuries at Centegra Hospital-McHenry before being arrested and transported to the McHenry County jail, where he remains unable to post the $50,000 cash needed to go free while awaiting trial.

McHenry police Detective Sgt. Dan Kreassig said the stabbing occurred during an altercation that began when family members tried to prevent an intoxicated Gaytan from leaving a residence with his children.

"They didn't want to release them to his care because he had been drinking," Kreassig said.

Gaytan was appointed a public defender during a brief court appearance Thursday and given a June 30 court date before McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather. If found guilty of attempted murder, he would face a mandatory six to 30 years in prison.