‘Real and present threat’: Judge orders man charged in Schaumburg slaying detained

Referencing what she called his “inability to control his abusive, violent behavior,” a Cook County judge on Thursday ordered a man accused of killing his former girlfriend Tuesday in Schaumburg held in jail while his case is pending.

Alfredo Briseno, 49, of Niles, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jenny Rodriguez, a 37-year-old Des Plaines resident who prosecutors say suffered more than 12 stab wounds, including a fatal wound to her neck.

Rodriguez also suffered a punctured stomach and fractured ribs during the attack, which was captured on video surveillance, prosecutors said.

She and Briseno began dating in April, but Rodriguez ended the relationship Monday after he “appeared uninvited at a club, recorded her without her consent and left a voicemail pleading for reconciliation,” according to prosecutors.

Early Tuesday, prosecutors say, Rodriguez drove to a gym at the Schaumburg Town Square, near Schaumburg and Roselle roads, for a 5:15 a.m. fitness class. Briseno arrived at 5:12 a.m., parked nearby and entered the passenger side of her vehicle, Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Alexandra Ohehir said.

Minutes later, Rodriguez exited the vehicle, stumbled and fell. Screaming for help, she attempted to run while Briseno chased her and pushed her to the ground, Ohehir said.

They struggled while the defendant stood over her and “repeatedly swung his arm” while she attempted to rise, Ohehir said. The assault continued for 90 seconds, she said.

A witness heard Rodriguez’s screams, saw the struggle and called 911, according to Ohehir, adding that the witness remained on the scene until police arrived.

Meanwhile, Ohehir said, Briseno dragged Rodriguez to her vehicle, where he appeared to open the rear passenger door as she attempted to stand, and pushed her to the ground.

Officers arrived about 5:26 a.m. to find Rodriguez on the ground, bleeding heavily. Briseno was standing nearby, his clothes covered in blood, prosecutors say.

Officers arrested him and recovered a knife, police said Wednesday.

Rodriguez was taken to Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, where she died, prosecutors said.

Ohehir told the court Thursday that Briseno’s ex-wife sought an order of protection against him in 2020, alleging he grabbed her face and neck, dragged her and threw her to the floor.

Describing Briseno as “incredibly dangerous,” Ohehir asked Cook County Judge Andreana Turano to order him jailed while his case is pending.

Turano agreed Briseno poses a “real and present threat” and ordered him into custody stating, “this defendant’s actions show an inability to move on from any relationship.”

Briseno is scheduled to return to court Jan. 28.