Man Charged With Murder In Wheeling Death After Earlier Release

WHEELING, IL — A man previously taken into custody and later released without charges in connection with a Wheeling death investigation has now been charged with first-degree murder.

Jalen Upshaw, of Dixmoor, surrendered to the Wheeling Police Department with his attorney Monday and was charged in the death of 55-year-old Christopher M. Behnke, police said.

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Upshaw was the person of interest taken into custody following the July 4 incident in the 1100 block of Wildberry Court. He was later released without charges while detectives continued investigating.

Wheeling police said detectives and forensic technicians spent the following months examining the circumstances surrounding Behnke's death and developing evidence.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office determined Behnke died from asphyxia due to assault and ruled his death a homicide, according to police.

Officers were initially called at about 11:50 p.m. July 4 to the 1100 block of Wildberry Court for a report of a person not breathing. Behnke was found unresponsive and was taken to Glenbrook Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said investigators determined Behnke had sustained physical injuries believed to be consistent with a domestic incident before his death. A person of interest was taken into custody at the time, but was later released as the investigation continued.

Wheeling police said detectives remained in contact with Behnke's family throughout the investigation and credited the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and Cook County Medical Examiner's Office with assisting in the case.

Upshaw is scheduled to appear Sept. 22 at the Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows for a detention hearing.

Police said no additional information will be released while the case is pending in court.=