Wheaton Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Sleeping Brother-In-Law

WHEATON, IL — Questions are finally being answered for concerned residents after a body was found in Wheaton Sunday morning. Pi Lat, 38, of the 1300 block of N. Main St., has been charged with stabbing his brother-in-law to death as he slept.

Police say they were called to Lat's residence just before 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. When they got to the scene, they say they found the victim, A Bawi, 39, lying in a pool of blood after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

Bawi was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Lat has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held in DuPage County on $3 million bail.

Police initially declined to release details on the incident, which has been under investigation since Sunday.

Wheaton Police Chief Bill Murphy said Monday, "Limiting the release of information ensures the integrity of the investigation while respecting the victim, the victim’s family, and the criminal justice process."

Residents were first alerted to a police presence via social media and a city news alert just after 10 a.m. The alert informed residence to anticipate a "heavy police presence" in the area and added that the road would remain open.

At around 1:10 p.m., police updated their post to say that the incident would remain under investigation and reassured residents that "the community is not at risk." Nevertheless, some residents expressed concern in the comments beneath the Facebook post, writing that they wanted additional information.

On this note, Wheaton police wrote,

"Please know the community is not in danger and when we can share details, we will. We understand it can be frustrating to not have all the details at once, but we assure you that the community is not at risk. The safety of all our residents is a top priority for the City of Wheaton."

After charges were filed against Lat, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "It is alleged that early yesterday morning, Pi Lat armed himself with two knives, approached his victim while he slept and stabbed him to death. To Mr. Bawi’s surviving family and friends, I offer my sincerest condolences as they attempt to cope with the senseless loss they are now experiencing."

Lat is set to appear in court on May 6.