Chicago man charged with concealing homicidal death in connection with body dumped in Lake County
After a multi-agency investigation, a Chicago man has been identified as a suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman whose body was found Nov. 29 on the east shoulder of Hunt Club Road south of Route 173 in Old Mill Creek.
Juan A. Vega-Montoya, 37, of the 2100 block of North Narragansett Avenue has been charged with concealing a homicidal death in connection with Megan Lewis, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
During an autopsy the Lake County Coroner’s Office determined Lewis, also of Chicago, was 16 weeks pregnant. Authorities said Lewis’ body was dumped on the roadside.
After reviewing video surveillance sheriff’s detectives determined Lewis was picked up by Vega-Montoya on Nov. 26 in the area of Cicero Avenue and West Belden Avenue in Chicago, according to the release.
Sheriff’s detectives believe Vega-Montoya strangled Lewis to death in the vehicle during an argument, according to the release.
Authorities allege Vega-Montoya drove home and left Lewis’ body in his vehicle for two days before dumping her on the side of Hunt Club Road during the overnight hours of Nov. 28, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Monday, sheriff’s detectives conducting surveillance near Vega-Montoya’s home saw him driving and stopped him. Evidence of the homicide was found inside the vehicle, according to the release.
Vega-Montoya was scheduled to be in Lake County court Wednesday morning. Prosecutors were to file a petition to detain Vega-Montoya while he awaits trial.
As the actual homicide occurred in Chicago, sheriff’s police have provided information about the investigation to the Chicago Police Department and it is anticipated CPD will seek murder charges against Vega-Montoya, according to the sheriff’s office.
Homeland Security Investigations played a vital role in assisting sheriff’s detectives in the investigation and tracking down the fugitive, according to the release.
“Our partnership with federal and local partners, like ERO Chicago and Lake County Sheriff’s Office, is essential to public safety,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Field Office, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Chicago Field Office, Berwyn police, Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Lake County Coroner’s Office, and Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory collaborated in the investigation.