Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Villa Park man charged with the murder of his girlfriend, twenty-four-year-old Jessica Reyes, following a domestic altercation at his apartment. Anthony Jimenez, 26, of the 1600 block of S. Michigan Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of First Degree Murder.

On July 17, 2024, at approximately 10:50 a.m., Villa Park police officers responded to a call of a domestic disturbance at an apartment located in the 1600 block of S. Michigan Avenue. During the call, a male, later identified as Jimenez, allegedly informed authorities that he had stabbed his girlfriend. Upon their arrival, officers were met at the door by Jimenez with apparent blood on his hands and chest. Jimenez was handcuffed and taken into custody at this time. When searching the apartment, officers located Jessica Reyes in a back bedroom bleeding on the floor. Officers immediately administered aid to Jessica until paramedics arrived and transported her to a local hospital. She was pronounced deceased at the hospital at approximately 11:26 a.m.

Following an investigation into the murder, it is alleged that Jimenez and Reyes were at the apartment together and got into a verbal altercation at approximately 8 a.m. It is alleged that after a short time, Jessica left the apartment by climbing down from the third-floor balcony to the parking lot as Jimenez would not let her leave and was blocking the door. It is alleged that Jimenez went to the parking lot and spoke with Reyes; after their argument calmed down, they returned to the apartment together. It is further alleged that as Reyes began collecting her belongings, Jimenez pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed Jessica in the side of her head. As Reyes fought back, it is alleged that Jimenez continued to stab her twelve times about her neck, face, arms, chest and hands. He allegedly stopped only when his mother entered the room.

“First and foremost, I offer my sincerest condolences to Jessica’s surviving family and friends on their loss and wish them strength as they continue their lives without the love and support she once provided,” Berlin said. “The senseless and extremely violent end to a promising young woman’s life, as alleged in this case, will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force of law."

Berlin commended "the Villa Park Police Department for their professionalism on this very disturbing case" and thanked "the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office" along with "DuPage County MERIT for their assistance." He also acknowledged Assistant State’s Attorneys Helen Kapas and Grace Barsanti for securing charges against Mr. Jimenez.

“Domestic violence has no place in our society,” Rivas said. “The alleged actions of the accused are horrific... The victim... had her life senselessly taken from her.” Rivas urged victims or aggressors in domestic violence situations to seek help.

Jimenez’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 12, 2024 for arraignment before Judge Mia McPherson.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

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