Illinois Man Kevin Motykie Charged in Death of Katherine Torbick After Prosecutors Reveal Hours-Long Assault Evidence

 Authorities in Schaumburg, Illinois, are investigating a deeply disturbing case after prosecutors accused a suburban Chicago man of carrying out an hours-long fatal assault that ended in the strangulation death of a woman he had been in a long-term relationship with. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the allegations and the extensive evidence cited in court filings.

According to prosecutors, 56-year-old Kevin Motykie has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault in connection with the death of 43-year-old Katherine Torbick. The two had reportedly been in a relationship for nearly a decade and were living together in Schaumburg with Torbick’s 12-year-old son.

Court documents state that tensions escalated after Torbick recently began seeing another man in early April. Prosecutors allege that this shift in the relationship preceded a series of violent events that culminated in her death on April 30 inside the shared residence.

Investigators say a concerned acquaintance contacted authorities after being unable to reach Torbick. Police entered the home around 11 p.m. and found her deceased on a couch, while Motykie was discovered alive in the garage and taken into custody at the scene.

Authorities reported that Motykie appeared heavily intoxicated at the time of his arrest and told officers he had taken prescription medications before being transported for medical evaluation. During the investigation, police allegedly recovered a digital recording device from his possession, which later became a key piece of evidence in the case.

Prosecutors say the device contained an audio recording lasting more than seven hours, which allegedly documented a prolonged assault beginning in the early morning hours and continuing until late morning. According to court filings, the recording captured repeated physical violence, restraint, threats, and distress from the victim throughout the incident.

The Cook County medical examiner ruled Torbick’s death a homicide caused by strangulation, noting injuries consistent with prolonged physical trauma. Prosecutors also cited additional findings such as restraints and other physical evidence recovered from the home as part of their case.

Court documents further allege that the defendant had previously assaulted Torbick in a separate incident in March, during which she reportedly escaped and sought help from a neighbor. Authorities say that earlier case led to an arrest warrant that was not executed before the fatal April incident occurred.

Investigators also noted prior allegations and legal disputes involving the defendant, including past orders of protection and civil claims referenced in court records. Prosecutors say they are continuing to build their case as proceedings move forward, while the defendant remains in custody awaiting further court hearings.

The case has prompted strong reactions from the local community, where residents and advocates have expressed concern about repeated allegations of escalating violence prior to the fatal incident. Officials emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and all charges remain subject to the legal process as evidence is reviewed in court.