Bolingbrook Man Who Slashed Daughter's Throat May Move to Group Home

Almost 20 years ago, former Bolingbrook resident John Blank, 51, fatally sliced his 3-year-old daughter’s throat, claiming that he believed demons were after her and his house and lawn had been bugged.

Blank was ruled insane, and since then has been in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. He’s been a patient at Elgin Mental Health since 2000.

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Now, it’s possible that Blank will be moved from where he’s currently at to a group home. Since Blank’s been a patient at EMH, he’s received passes to leave the grounds on supervised outings. In 2011, he received passes for unsupervised activities within the facility, according to the Herald-News.

Elgin Mental Health Psychiatrist Dr. Shaheen Hossain and Matthew Kindler testified before Judge Sarah Jones Friday about what comes next for Blank’s treatment, The Herald-News reported.

Hossain reportedly said that Blank never violated his pass privileges and consistently took his medication, which includes an anti-psychotic, anti-depressant and mood stabilizers.

“The psychotic symptoms are in remission,” Hossain said. “We would like to see him in a supervised group home and continue substance abuse counseling.”

Kindler reportedly said his mental health center will accept Blank if he’s released. Eight men live in the group home.

Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Walsh and Will County Assistant Public Defender Timothy Specht will argue their positions Dec. 11, according to The Herald-News.