Zion man pleasds not guilty to killing girlfriend
A Zion man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death in a self-described “fit of rage” pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Lake County circuit court.
Trent Lee, 43, who has already served multiple prison sentences for a host of crimes, faces between 20 and 60 years behind bars if convicted of the Oct. 14 slaying of Nichelle McNeal, 43.
Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Demartini said the couple were at a friend's apartment using drugs and alcohol when they began to argue.
The argument escalated into a physical altercation and police say Lee stabbed McNeal six to seven times in the neck, shoulder and chest with two knives he had grabbed out of the kitchen.
Other people in the apartment called police, and Lee was spotted in the area by officers who captured him after a short foot chase.
Police said Lee had blood on his hands and his clothing when taken into custody and told them that he had gone into a fit of rage and could not stop stabbing McNeal once he started.
Court documents show Lee has a criminal history that includes 19 convictions and prison sentences for drug possession, theft and aggravated battery.
He is being held in the Lake County jail on $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 30.