$1.5 million bail set for Geneva man accused of murdering wife

A Geneva man has been charged with murdering his wife Sunday and dumping her body along railroad tracks near their home in the city's first homicide in nearly 40 years, authorities said.

Shadwick R. King, of the 800 block of Oak Street, was being held on $1.5 million bail that was set Friday in the death of Kathleen M. King, 32.

Her body was found about 6:30 a.m. along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near the 200 block of Briar Lane and Esping Park on the city's east side, Kane County prosecutors said.

King, 47, is accused of killing his wife by asphyxiating her at their home, prosecutors said.

"The thoughts of the entire Geneva Police Department are with Kathleen King's family. We will continue to work with the Kane County state's attorney's office to ensure she receives justice," Geneva Police Chief Steve Mexin said in a prepared statement in which he thanked investigators.

Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon echoed Mexin's comments.

"I would like to express my condolences to Kathleen's family and friends. Our work is just beginning, and we will vigorously pursue justice for Kathleen, her family and the Geneva community," McMahon said.

The last homicide in Geneva was July 2, 1975, Geneva police Cmdr. Julie Nash said.

Neighbors reacted with sadness and relief Friday after learning of the charges against King.

Ronald Maier, who lives across the street, said the couple's three children were nice and well-behaved. Maier said police were never called to the Kings' home for domestic disturbances and overall the neighborhood was very quiet. He said the couple lived in the neighborhood about seven years but he didn't know them well.

"I think it was a domestic quarrel that somehow got out of hand," Maier said. "What else could it be?"

Another neighbor, who declined to give her name, said Kathleen King returned about three or four weeks ago from Army basic training in Texas.

The neighbor said her kids played with the Kings' three boys, who she estimated were between 5 and 9.

The neighbor said Kathleen King was outgoing and friendly and would frequently go running. Her husband was renovating the couple's home, revarnishing the home's wood floors.

He must post $150,000 to be released from the jail while the case is pending.

According to Kane County court records, King does not have any previous misdemeanor or felony convictions.