Illinois Man Charged After Longtime Girlfriend Found Dead Inside Schaumburg Home

A suburban Chicago man is facing first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault charges after prosecutors say his longtime girlfriend, Katherine Torbick, was killed during a prolonged attack inside their Schaumburg, Illinois home. Kevin Motykie, 56, was arrested after police responded to a welfare check on April 30 when Torbick, 43, had not been heard from throughout the day. Officers forced their way into the home on West Weathersfield Way and found Torbick dead with signs of trauma. Motykie was located in the garage and taken into custody at the scene. (CBS News)

According to prosecutors, Torbick and Motykie had been in a relationship for roughly 10 years but had reportedly broken up earlier this year. Authorities said Torbick had recently begun dating someone else, and that person contacted police after being unable to reach her. Investigators also said Motykie had a pending arrest warrant tied to an earlier alleged domestic violence incident involving Torbick, making the welfare check even more urgent for responding officers. (CBS News)

Court records described disturbing evidence recovered after Motykie’s arrest, including an audio recording device prosecutors say captured several hours of the alleged attack. Prosecutors told the court the recording included arguments, Torbick pleading for the violence to stop, and evidence that she was restrained before she was ultimately strangled. Authorities have charged Motykie with first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. He has been ordered held without bail as the case proceeds through court. (People.com)

The case has also raised serious questions about domestic violence warning signs and whether earlier intervention could have prevented Torbick’s death. Prosecutors said Torbick had previously given police a videotaped statement saying she feared Motykie would kill her after an earlier alleged assault. Reports also state she had filed a felony complaint against him in March, shortly before the fatal incident. (CBS News)

Torbick was remembered by loved ones and coworkers as a dedicated nurse, mother, and caring presence in the lives of those around her. She had worked in healthcare for more than two decades, including as a gastroenterology nurse and at Fox River MedSpa in Algonquin. In public tributes, coworkers described her as warm, valued, and deeply committed to helping others. (New York Post)

Motykie is expected back in court on May 29. For now, the case remains one of the most disturbing domestic violence prosecutions in the Chicago suburbs this year, with prosecutors arguing that the evidence shows a prolonged, intentional attack and defense proceedings still ahead. Torbick’s death has renewed calls for stronger protections for people trying to leave abusive relationships and greater public awareness around escalating domestic violence. (New York Post)