'Someone Out There Knows Who Murdered Mr. Lange:' Naperville PD

NAPERVILLE, IL — Five years ago, Matthew Lange drove to Scullen Middle School to pick up his 4-year-old from Polish class, but he never got to see his son that night. Lange was shot to death while he waited in his car outside the school, in a murder that rocked the city and remains unsolved, despite ongoing efforts from Naperville police, who believe a member of the public may have answers.

"Someone out there knows who murdered Mr. Lange," Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said in a statement Monday

Arres stressed that Naperville police remain steadfast in their dedication to finding out who murdered Lange.

“It’s been five years, but this case will never be considered a 'cold case' by our department," Arres said. "Our investigators remain just as committed today to bringing justice to Matthew Lange and his family as they were the day this horrible murder occurred."

A 37-year-old psychology professor who was living in Oswego, Lange was shot multiple times through the closed windows of his Hyundai Elantra while he waited for his son to come outside.

Lange's son had been enrolled by Lange's ex-wife in Polish classes that were held on Fridays via Helena Modjeska Polish School, which rented space at Scullen, Daily Herald reported in 2017. Lange and his ex-wife had divorced in 2015.

Born in Aurora in 1979, Lange graduated from Aurora West High School before earning his bachelor of science degree from Aurora University and his master’s degree in clinical psychology from Benedictine University, according to his obituary. He earned his PhD in psychology from Northern Illinois University.

At the time of his death, Lange was an assistant psychology professor at Lewis University in Romeoville.

Nearly six months after Lange's murder, a private group offered $45,000 that is still available for information leading to an arrest and prosecution of a suspect or suspects. Naperville Crime Stoppers is still offering a reward of $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

On Monday, Arres emphasized that it's "time" for members of the public to share anything they know about the circumstances of Lange's murder.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to solve this case, but we need the public's assistance," Arres said. "Come forward and help us hold the person responsible for this crime accountable and bring closure to the Lange family.

Anyone who witnessed Lange's murder or has any information is encouraged to contact the Naperville Police Department at 630-420-6666 or Naperville Crime Stoppers at 630-420-6006.

More on Patch:

Who Killed Matthew Lange? Reward Offered In Naperville Slaying

1 Year After Naperville Murder, Family, City Seeks Answers

3 Years After Father's Naperville Murder, Answers Still Sought

Naperville Murder Remains Unsolved After 4 Years