A judge denied pre-trial release to a 75-year-old man accused of a murder-attempted suicide shooting that left his wife dead at their home near Harvard, in what prosecutors called a “horrific event.”
Silvano Perri, 75, of Itasca, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, a Class M felony.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, McHenry County Conservation Police Department and Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 4:55 p.m. Saturday to the 4500 block of Island Road in unincorporated Harvard.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies were called for a check on the well-being at a home. A 911 caller reported their grandmother had possibly been stabbed, according to emergency radio traffic, Sheriff’s officials said officers discovered a deceased adult female who had suffered a gunshot wound.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein identified her as Santina Perri, 65, of Itasca.
Officers also located an adult male, later identified as Silvano Perri, who was suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Silvano Perri caused Santina Perri’s death by shooting her.
Harvard Fire Chief John Kimmel said Silvano Perri was transported by ambulance to Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center in Harvard.
He was then flown from the hospital helipad to a Level 1 trauma center for treatment of serious injuries.
The sheriff’s office had established a crime scene and was seen investigating at the home throughout the evening and into Sunday.
Sheriff’s officials said the incident was isolated and there is no threat to the public.
Silvano Perri and Santina Perri were husband and wife, the sheriff’s office said. The two primarily reside in Itasca but also own the Harvard residence.
He booked into the jail and appeared for Initial Appearance Court on Wednesday afternoon.
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain him pending trial, arguing he poses a danger to the community.
McHenry County Judge Cynthia Lamb ordered Perri to be held in the jail pending trial after granting the petition on Thursday afternoon.
The hearing was continued from Wednesday until Thursday upon Perri’s request. The man stipulated to the petition and agreed to be detained during the Thursday hearing.
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese said after court that she sends her “deepest condolences to those most deeply impacted by this horrific event.”
Freese said that the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation of this “tragedy” and also recognized staff from her office for their work on the case.
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