McHenry County deputy dies 11 months after Holiday Hills shooting
Dwight Maness, a McHenry County sheriff's deputy who was shot in Holiday Hills during a call last October, died Monday, a sheriff's office spokeswoman said Monday.
Maness, 47, of McHenry, was one of two deputies injured Oct. 16, 2014, along with Khalia Satkiewicz, 39. They were the first responders at a domestic disturbance during which a gunman in Holiday Hills opened fire.
“We're all stunned,” said former McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren, who now lives out of state. “Both were very brave deputies. We're just so sorry. We're all saying a prayer for him and the family.”
A former Army Ranger and seven-year department veteran, Maness was shot in the abdomen and twice in the left leg by a .223-caliber AR15 rifle. He underwent multiple surgeries at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and was recovering from his injuries. His femur bone was shattered and a three-inch piece of bone was missing.
“From day one (Maness) was going to be back on the job as soon as he was physically able to be,” Nygren said.
In a Sept. 2 Facebook post, Maness was hopeful of his recovery.
“Just to let everyone know, I went back to the doctor today to have X-rays done and the right leg has healed so much it doesn't look like it was even broken. The bone graft in my left leg has taken and there is significant bone growth. The doctor said I can start putting at least 50 percent of my weight on my left leg and can finally start rehab next week. Thanks to all of my friends, family (and) the department for the continued support. Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, with everything going on it's hard to be happy, but we continue to celebrate life. Again thank you so much, and I love y'all.”
Maness and Satkiewicz received purple heart medals from the McHenry County sheriff's office.
Earlier this year, Maness and Satkiewicz spoke publicly for the first time about the shooting to a group of 20 Round Lake Beach officers.
Their presentation included real-time radio and dispatch traffic. They recounted their story as a training opportunity to help fellow officers.
“There's a lot of lessons to be had here,” said Maness, who was using a walker at the time.
The 52-year-old shooter, Scott B. Peters, who initially fled but was captured after a 16-hour manhunt, was sentenced in June to 135 years in prison.
Though it's too early to tell, Peters could face additional charges, if officials determine Maness died of injuries sustained in the shooting, McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi said.
“He is facing a life sentence now. I expect after a period of grieving we will read the autopsy reports and sit down with the coroner, review the police reports,” said Bianchi, adding that sheriff's deputies were investigating the circumstances of Maness' death.
Bianchi said he believes Maness died during a rehabilitation session.
Aside from Maness' family and comrades, the attorneys who prosecuted Peters' case and got to know him and Satkiewicz well also are grieving, Bianchi said.
“What is particularly sad about this is Dwight and his partner were responding to that call — a well-being check — that is important to all of us living in these communities. To be injured and to be recovering for almost a year now and then to lose his life ... it is a big blow to law enforcement at a time when they are under serious review by the public. This is just another cross to bear for the police community. We will continue to keep (the Maness family) in our thoughts and prayers.”
A statement from the sheriff's office said Maness stood out from the beginning of his police career, accruing numerous letters of commendation — including the Ervin H. Warren Award for his class at the Police Training Institute, an award presented to the recruit who best exemplifies “the traits of Honor, Integrity and Professionalism.”
“I came to know Deputy Maness during my nine months as sheriff,” said Sheriff Bill Prim. “I had a conversation with him about a week ago, and he was enthusiastic about regaining his strength and returning to patrol. This news is devastating to the law enforcement community here in McHenry County.”
• Daily Herald staff writer Lauren Rohr contributed to this story.