Sleepy Hollow Attack: Funds Pour In For Family Of Teens

SLEEPY HOLLOW, IL -- An online fundraiser raised more than $11,000 in just one day for the family of two teenage siblings who were stabbed in a vicious attack and home invasion in Sleepy Hollow this past week. Steven Stopka, who said he lives kitty-corner to the family's home, set up the GoFundMe to help pay for medical expenses, home repairs, meals and travel expenses between two hospitals. The teens, ages 19 and 17, were stabbed during the attack and the older teen, a woman, was sexually assaulted, police say.

As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe had raised more than $19,000.

They have been recovering at hospitals and are expected to survive. Fabian Torres, 32, faces attempted murder charges in connection with the attack and remains behind bars at the Kane County Jail.

"The siblings suffered extensive and significant injuries, which required immediate medical attention. Sleepy Hollow and our surrounding communities would like to rally together and show our support for this family in this very difficult time," Stopka wrote on the GoFundMe. "Many have asked how they can help, and at this point, the most tangible way we as a community can offer our support would be through monetary donations."

He told the Elgin Courier-News he was home at the time of the attack.

“I’m in the criminal justice field and day in and day out you see tragedies like this while you’re working, but it’s different when it strikes close to home,” he told the newspaper. “It shook me. I have children, and they walk past that house every single day. You never think it’s going to fall on your doorstep.”

As of Friday morning, the GoFundMe page had brought in $11,796 in donations. The online fundraiser goal is $20,000.

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