Crime
Father Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of Son in Lakemoor
A Lakemoor man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his son along Route 120 on Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.
The Lakemoor Police Department, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, and Wauconda Fire District responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 1:24 p.m. in the area of Route 120 and Darrell Road.
A 911 caller reported hearing gunfire and observed a person lying in the roadway on Route 120, also known as Rand Road within the Village of Lakemoor.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds in the 100 block of Rand Road, west of the intersection.
Officers rendered immediate aid before paramedics transported the victim to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry. Emergency responders reported that the victim was unconscious and not breathing at the scene.
Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Authorities confirmed that a person of interest was taken into custody and stated there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The suspect, identified as James R. Piezonka, 64, of Lakemoor, has been charged with:
- First-degree murder (pending formal court approval)
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Aggravated discharge of a firearm
- Aggravated domestic battery
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Court documents allege that Piezonka fired five rounds at the victim, striking him in the torso and left arm, resulting in his death. Following the shooting, Piezonka reportedly entered his vehicle and fled the scene without rendering aid.
Investigators determined that Piezonka, a convicted felon, was unlawfully in possession of a firearm at the time of the incident.
The shooting took place in the westbound lanes of Route 120 in front of a residence where both Piezonka and the victim resided, according to court records.
Authorities processed a sedan positioned partially sideways in the roadway and a motorcycle lying on its side in the driveway as part of the crime scene. A motorcycle helmet was also discovered in the turn lane of Route 120 near the car.
The McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team was called in to assist with the case. Police closed Route 120 in both directions as the investigation continued through Sunday evening.
Piezonka was taken into custody and transported to the McHenry County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office has not yet publicly released the victim’s identity. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding a possible motive for the shooting.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.