Batavia man guilty of 2018 home invasion, now faces prison
A 39-year-old Batavia man faces prison after his conviction this week on charges he forced his way into a home in Batavia in September 2018 and fought with people there.
After a two-day trial, a Kane County jury convicted Christopher J. Turecek, of the 900 block of North Washington Street, of home invasion causing injury, aggravated battery/strangulation and criminal damage to property of up to $500, all felonies.
According to authorities, Batavia police responded at 4 a.m. Sept. 3, 2018, to a fight in progress at a home on Brandywine Circle.
While police were on their way, officers were told there were five people fighting and a man was screaming he was "dying." When police arrived, there were signs of forced entry and officers saw Turecek, along with the resident of the home and a family member, fighting just inside the open door. Three people were injured in the fight and were treated at the scene by Batavia paramedics.
Prosecutors said Turecek argued with a person at the home earlier that morning and then returned to fight.
State's Attorney Joe McMahon said Turecek is lucky to be alive.
"Breaking into someone's home in the middle of the night is both criminal and stupid," McMahon said in a prepared statement. "I'm glad the homeowners showed restraint and this situation didn't escalate further."
After Tuesday's verdict, Kane County Judge Kathryn Karayannis revoked Turecek's bail. He had been held at the Kane County jail since his arrest about 10 months ago.
Karayannis will sentence Turecek on Sept. 18 and he faces a punishment of six to 30 years in prison with no chance of probation.