Schaumburg man accused of longtime girlfriend’s murder

Cook County prosecutors on Friday announced the indictment of Kevin D. Motykie on first-degree murder charges in the death of Katherine Torbick, a 43-year-old nurse described in her obituary as a devoted mother.

Motykie, 56, is charged with terrorizing, sexually assaulting and strangling Torbick on April 30 in the Schaumburg home they shared. Authorities say the attack was captured on a digital audio recording device Motykie had in his pocket.

His arraignment is June 10. If convicted, he faces between 20 and 60 years in prison.

In addition to murder, Motykie also is charged with aggravated domestic battery stemming from a March 12, 2026 attack on the same victim at the same address. Prosecutors say Motykie accused Torbick of cheating then struck and strangled her and attempted to gouge her eyes. She escaped to a neighbor’s home and called police, authorities said.

A Cook County judge issued an arrest warrant for Motykie, but Schaumburg police were unable to locate him. The warrant was outstanding at the time of his arrest on May 7, according to prosecutors, who said Motykie had resumed living with Torbick as early as March 22.

Police entered the home about 11 p.m. April 30, after receiving a call from a witness who became worried that he was unable to contact Torbick.

Officers found Torbick dead on the couch and Motykie, who they say appeared to be intoxicated, in the garage. They recovered the digital recording, which prosecutors say captured Torbick’s cries and pleas and Motykie’s statement that he intended to hang himself. Police also recovered duct tape and handcuffs they say he used to restrain the victim as well as rope tied in a noose.