Lombard woman admits to killing mother; sentence capped at 30 years
A Lombard woman has pleaded guilty to strangling her mother last March in exchange for a prison sentence capped at 30 years.
Stephanie DeFalco, 29, of the 100 block of Grace Street, on Wednesday entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of first-degree murder. She has been held on $3 million bail since her March 22, 2018, arrest.
Prosecutors said DeFalco had been charged just the day before the slaying with misdemeanor theft after stealing a pair of gold and emerald earrings, two sapphire rings and one diamond ring belonging to her mother and pawning them for $252.
After posting her $1,500 bail and returning home, they say DeFalco and her mother had an argument that lasted into the next morning. Judith DeFalco was strangled and left in her own bed after ordering her daughter to leave the house.
Judith DeFalco also was found with blunt force trauma wounds to her head.
Woodridge police found Stephanie driving her mother's car at 1:40 a.m. the next day and arrested her. She also was found with heroin and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.
During the investigation, DeFalco admitted to "choking her mother out," prosecutors said.
"This morning, Stephanie DeFalco accepted responsibility for the murder of her mother, Judith," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "For those who knew Judith, this is a devastating loss. For her family, however, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and raw emotions they are experiencing as they not only must continue their lives without Judith's companionship, but also as they confront the fact that one of their own is responsible for her death."
DeFalco's next court appearance is scheduled for May 17.