$1 million bond for man accused in Hoffman Estates murder
As they drove to the hospital early Wednesday to treat his knife wound, a Hoffman Estates man told his girlfriend, "I think I killed a guy," authorities say.
Bond was set Friday at $1 million for 29-year-old Joseph Biedermann. He's charged with first-degree murder in the death of his neighbor, who authorities said was stabbed 58 times. Biedermann must post 10 percent to be set free.
A somber Biedermann stared down at the floor for the entirety of the hearing in Rolling Meadows while prosecutors described the "heinous and brutal" murder of Terrance Hauser Jr., 38, at the Barrington Lakes apartment complex.
Authorities have not indicated a possible motive, though Hoffman Estates police Lt. Rich Russo said it appears the two met the night of the murder. The stabbing took place either in or just outside of Hauser's apartment on the 2200 block of Hassell Road, he added.
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Prosecutors said Anna Oleszkiewicz, who lives with Biedermann, called 911 just before 4 a.m. Wednesday and reported her boyfriend had been stabbed.
As she drove him to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Oleszkiewicz told authorities that Biedermann started to cry and said he stabbed somebody, once in the stomach and once in the neck.
"I think I killed a guy," prosecutors say Biedermann told his girlfriend.
Assistant State's Attorney Scott Biestek said authorities think Biedermann cut himself in his arm -- a superficial wound that required three stitches.
After Hoffman Estates police talked to Oleszkiewicz at the hospital, they went to the apartment complex and discovered blood in the parking lot.
They followed the blood trail to Hauser's apartment, where they entered an unlocked front door covered in blood, authorities say. Police found the bloodied victim on the floor, unresponsive.
The murder weapon, a 7-inch medieval-style dagger, was found at Hauser's.
Firefighters responded and pronounced Hauser, a truck driver for a delivery company, dead on the scene. It initially appeared he'd been stabbed 13 times, but the Cook County Medical Examiner later put the number at 58 stab wounds.
Police continued along the blood trail, which extended to Biedermann's apartment in a neighboring building. He was taken to the Hoffman Estates police station after his release from the hospital.
Biedermann was already under court supervision for a 2006 DUI in Kane County. He also received six months of court supervision in 1998 for possession of cannabis, authorities said.
Defense attorney John Yetter asked for a lower bond amount than the $2 million requested by prosecutors. He said Biedermann is a graduate of Loyola University and a self-employed licensed realty estate agent. Yetter also asked the judge to take into consideration his client's injury.
Biedermann's family requested visitation, but Judge Jill Marisie said she couldn't allow it, even though she was sure the family was very anxious. His family declined to comment.
Biedermann is scheduled to appear in court next on April 4.