Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bartlett Chief of Police Geoffrey Pretkelis announced that Judge Jeffrey MacKay granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a Hoffman Estates man accused of violently beating his girlfriend and kidnapping her at knifepoint. Christopher Krontiris, 25, of the 900 block of Evanston Street, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday charged with one count of Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X Felony), one count of Home Invasion – Dangerous Weapon (Class X Felony), and one count of Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony).

On June 29, 2024, the victim, a twenty-four-year-old female, was reported missing by her family. Following an investigation into the disappearance, it was learned that the victim and Krontiris were at a bar in Hanover Park when they got into a verbal altercation. Hanover Park police responded to the altercation at the bar and removed Krontiris while the victim left and returned to a home in Bartlett where she was housesitting.

It is alleged that when the victim returned to the home in Bartlett, Krontiris, who had let himself into the home through an unlocked door, was waiting for her. Once inside, Krontiris allegedly physically attacked her by pushing her into a wall several times, striking her multiple times, choking her twice, and dragging her along the floor causing extensive bruising on the left side of her body. It is further alleged that Krontiris armed himself with a nine-inch kitchen knife, held it to his victim’s neck and head, and cut her on her forehead and back.

After the attack, Krontiris allegedly took his victim’s cell phone and forced her at knifepoint into her vehicle which he then drove to Michigan and later to Michigan City, Indiana. During this incident, Krontiris reportedly told the victim that he should kill her and threatened to stab her, rape her, kill her, break her legs, and put her body in a river. Authorities ultimately located Krontiris and his victim in Michigan City where he was taken into custody. Krontiris waived extradition from Indiana.

“The allegations against Mr. Krontiris are shocking,” Berlin said. “The violent beating, choking, threatening at knifepoint and abduction as alleged in this case will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law. I thank the Bartlett Police Department for their outstanding work in identifying and apprehending the defendant as well as Michigan City Police Department in Indiana DuPage MERIT Secret Service FBI for their extended efforts in this case I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Cathy Nusgart Michael Fisher for their work securing charges against Mr. Krontiris.”

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all members of Bartlett Police Department other law enforcement agencies who worked together ensure victim safe return,” Pretkelis said “Their unwavering commitment coordination relentless pursuit justice instrumental bringing investigation successful conclusion I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin team legal guidance.”

Krontiris’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 22 2024 front Judge Mia McPherson

Members public reminded complaint contains only charges not proof defendant guilt A defendant presumed innocent entitled fair trial government burden prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt