McHenry suspect's death ends old murder-for-hire case

A McHenry man accused of hiring a hit man to kill his son has died, ending a case that began in 2007.

William G. Gersch was to appear for a fitness hearing Thursday before McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt. However, defense attorney Matthew Haiduk presented the judge Gersch's death certificate.

Haiduk says the 64-year-old Gersch suffered a stroke in May and died shortly after.

The Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake reports Gersch was arrested at a Janesville, Wis., restaurant in March 2007. Authorities said Gersch met an undercover agent there to discuss the murder plot. He allegedly gave the agent $2,500 as a down payment to kill his son, whom he blamed for his failed marriage.

Gersch's case was continued several times as he maintained his innocence.