Charges 'On Hold' Against Suspect In Murder Of Oak Park Man, 81

OAK PARK, IL — Charges are pending a mental health assessment for the sole person suspected of murdering their 81-year-old relative in what Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose described as a "brutal crime." In a press release, Ambrose added that "questions about why remain that need to be answered and understood before any steps toward prosecution are taken.”

Patrick Dooley, 81, was found dead at his home in the 100 block of N. Austin on the evening of Jan. 6 after a wellness check. The Cook County Coroner ruled that Dooley died of multiple wounds, which led the coroner to rule his death a homicide.

Police conducted an investigation that showed no signs of foul play or forced entry to the home, leading them to conclude that Dooley knew his assailant.

Investigators took a suspect who they call the "sole suspect" into custody. The suspect has not been identified. They are currently "being held in a secure, mental health treatment facility," police said.

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