Autistic, Bipolar Son Stabbed Father Over 100 Times: Attorneys

KANE COUNTY, IL — A 22-year-old autistic and bipolar man who was off his medications is accused of stabbing his father more than 100 times early Sunday at their home on Longridge in unincorporated St. Charles Township, according to media reports. Bail was set at $2 million for John Shenko during a bond hearing Tuesday morning in Kane County. Shenko has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for stabbing his father, Kevin Shenko, 60, to death, prosecutors said.

Kane County Sheriff's Office deputies were first called to the Shenko residence in unincorporated St. Charles Township at about 1:15 a.m. on Sunday for a report of a person "screaming for help," according to police.

When authorities arrived, they found Kevin Shenko, who lived at the address with his son, lying on the ground outside their home. It appeared he had been stabbed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

• Son Charged In Stabbing Death Of Father: Authorities
  

John Shenko was also found outside the home and taken into custody, according to authorities.

During Tuesday's court hearing, prosecutors said the older Shenko suffered more than 100 stab wounds.

Assistant Public Defender Kim Bilbrey said the younger Shenko, who is autistic and bipolar, has never been arrested before, the Daily Herald reports. He "used to be on medication in the past" but wasn't at the time of Sunday's stabbing.

Since he was taken into custody, John Shenko has attempted to jump through a window and hurt himself, according to the Daily Herald, and was wearing a bright green jumpsuit during his hearing Tuesday, which indicated he was on suicide watch.

Shenko is next expected in court on Aug. 18.

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Photo via the Kane County State's Attorney's Office