Man Charged With Attempted Murder, Arson Dies At Hospital

MCHENRY, IL — A 51-year-old McHenry man who faced attempted murder, domestic battery and arson charges following a fire early Friday has died.

Michael A. Pica was found by authorities inside the apartment in the 3800 block of West Main Street in McHenry with "extensive burns on his body." He died Saturday, according to a Cook County Medical Examiner's report. Preliminary results from an autopsy show he took his own life.

Pica and a 44-year-old woman were involved in a physical altercation prior to the fire, according to police. The McHenry Police Department was called to the scene of the apartment at about 5:30 a.m. when they found detached garage on fire, according to a news release from the police department.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded to the scene and put out the fire, and the woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a head wound that is not considered a life-threatening injury, according to police.

Pica was taken to Condell Medical Center and then transferred to Loyola Medica Center in Maywood with life-threatening injuries. He died at the hospital early Saturday morning, according to the Cook County Coroner's Office report.

Prior to his death, the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office filed the following charges against Pica: first-degree attempted murder, aggravated domestic battery, arson, aggravated battery and domestic battery.

The incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information that could aid investigators can call the criminal investigation division of the McHenry Police Department at 815-363-2599. Those wishing to pass along anonymous information are encouraged to call the McHenry Police Department tip line at 815-363-2124.