McHenry Times

On May 6, 2024, McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally expressed the seriousness with which his office treats crimes of domestic violence, noting that they often involve a repeated pattern of harm.

The statement comes in the wake of a recent incident involving Matthew Looper, who was convicted of domestic battery following an incident on March 21, 2023. Officers of the Wonder Lake Police Department and deputies of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of domestic violence at the time.

According to reports, the incident began as a verbal argument between Looper and the victim, escalating when Looper shoved the victim. The situation took a more dangerous turn when Looper retrieved knives from the nearby kitchen. Fortunately, the victim and her elderly mother were able to contact 911 and flee the residence when law enforcement arrived.

Officers were able to confront Looper, who was armed with two knives, and after ensuring the safety of the witnesses, began crisis negotiations to peacefully resolve the situation. Despite initial resistance and suicidal statements, law enforcement officers were ultimately successful in convincing Looper to surrender peacefully.

McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally commended the officers of the Wonder Lake Police Department, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department, and McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney Tyler Mikan for their thorough investigation and commitment to the safety of residents in handling the case.