Gempel Murder Trial This Week In Caton Farm Road Slaying

JOLIET, IL - Almost five years since Dorothy Dumyahn was found dead inside her residence on the morning of Nov. 18, 2012 in Crest Hill, the man suspected of murdering her and setting her house on fire to conceal her slaying is standing trial. Jury selection took place Tuesday at the Will County Courthouse in the murder trial of Bruce Gempel, now 53. At the time of the crime, the 89-year-old woman lived alone in the 2300 block of Caton Farm Road.

The arson-murder was investigated by the Crest Hill Police Department and the Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force. Police determined that Dumyahn died from multiple stab wounds and her injuries appeared to be defensive. At the time of the crime, the 48-year-old Gempel was one of Dumyahn's next door neighbors. The arson fire also caused extensive damage to the victim's house.

Last year, the murder defendant's lawyers were successful in their quest to stop the Will County State's Attorney's Office from introducing Gempel's interview statements to police as evidence.

According to court documents, police began their investigation by focusing on people acquainted with Dumyahn including neighbors on both sides of her home. Two days after the arson homicide, Gempel came to the Romeoville Police Department for a one-hour interview with investigators. Afterward, he was arrested.

The victim's daughter had told police that Dumyahn had been lending money to Gempel against the family's wishes. Court documents reflect that police officers noticed that Gempel had a scratch on the side of his face, scratches on his nose, plus more scratches and marks on both of his knees around the time of his arrest.

Booking mugshot via Will County Sheriff's Department