Aurora Woman Strangled, Attacked With Hammer By Neighbor: Police

AURORA, IL — An Aurora woman was strangled and attacked with a hammer by her neighbor Saturday, according to police, prosecutors and media reports. A 22-year-old Aurora man is in custody and facing charges.

The attack happened Saturday evening in the 400 block of North River Street. According to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office, Jonathan Terrell McDonald entered the woman's house, hit her in the head with a hammer twice, demanded money and strangled her. He is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint.

Officials said the woman lost consciousness several times during the attack. Police and prosecutors declined to comment on her condition, but the Daily Herald reported she was seriously injured in the attack.

The paper identified her as the man's 59-year-old neighbor, but police would not confirm her identity to Patch.

Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser charged the man with Class X felony attempted first-degree murder, Class 1 felony aggravated battery/great bodily harm, 2 counts of Class 3 felony aggravated battery and Class 4 felony unlawful restraint.

McDonald is currently detained at the Kane County Adult Justice Center on a $250,000 bond. He would need to post 10 percent to be released. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 30 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

The Aurora Police Department conducted the investigation.

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