Campton Hills Man Convicted in Attack at Delnor Hospital

A Campton Hills man has been convicted for attacking and strangling a family member while they were visiting a sick relative at Delnor Hospital in January 2015.

Justin B. Patzer, 31, of the 39W block of Campton Hills Drive, was found guilty late Thursday by Kane County Circuit Judge Donald M. Tegeler Jr., of armed violence, a Class X felony; aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony; domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor; and aggravated assault, a Class A misdemeanor. Patzer waived his right to a jury trial, according to a press release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Delnor Hospital was placed on lockdown following the attack.

During the two-day bench trial, Kane County prosecutors presented evidence that on Jan. 27, 2015, family members were visiting a sick relative who was in intensive care at Delnor Hospital in Geneva when Patzer arrived and attacked the victim, according to the news release. Patzer was angry at the victim as the two had previously argued via social media.

Patzer grabbed the victim by the throat, impeding his breathing, prosecutors said. The two were separated by another relative and the victim went into the hallway. Patzer then brandished a folding knife, made threats and ran off, leaving the hospital.

Patzer remains in custody at the Kane County jail, where he has been held on a $250,000 bond since his arrest. Bond was revoked upon conviction. Patzer faces between 10 and 30 years in prison and a sentencing heaing has been set for July 8.

“Mr. Patzer’s violent act was the result of his decision to carry his vendetta against a relative into the public. Because of his attack, Delnor Hospital had to be placed on lock down, interrupting the hospital’s daily work, until authorities could determine that Mr. Patzer was no longer a threat to the victim or anyone else. This conviction is a loud and clear message that there are better ways to resolve disputes,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said.

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