Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Warrenville Chief of Police Sam Bonilla announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Warrenville man accused of murdering his wife. Steven Kramer, 39, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder.

On September 5, at approximately 10:59 a.m., the Warrenville Police Department responded to a call at Kramer’s home for a cardiac arrest/death. Upon arrival, an officer with the Warrenville Police Department was met at the door by Kramer. Kramer informed the officer that his wife, Jaime Neumann, 47, was in a bedroom on the second floor of the home. When the officer entered the bedroom, she found Neumann lying on the ground face up in front of the foot of the bed. The victim had blood coming from her mouth, apparent trauma to her face and what appeared to be brain matter on her upper chest. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy concluded Neumann had been shot six times: once between her left eye and nose, three times in the chest, once in the upper left thigh and once in her right forearm. Following an investigation into the murder, it is alleged that Kramer and his wife were home when a verbal altercation turned physical. It is further alleged that Kramer shot his wife multiple times including once in the head. Kramer voluntarily went to the Warrenville Police Department where he was taken into custody shortly after.

Kramer appeared in First Appearance Court on September 6, 2024, where he requested time to obtain private counsel.

“The allegation that Mr. Kramer shot his wife multiple times, including once in the head, is extremely upsetting,” Berlin said. “I offer my sincerest condolences to Jaime’s family and friends as they grieve their loss, particularly her children who are now forced to live a life without the love and support only a mother can provide. While nothing can be done to bring Jaime back to those who loved her, thanks to the outstanding work of the Warrenville Police Department we will be able to bring a strong prosecution against the man who allegedly took her life.”

Berlin also thanked DuPage County MERIT as well as DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen's office and Assistant State’s Attorneys Katharine Walker and Christina Kye for their efforts in securing first-degree murder charges against Kramer.

Chief Bonilla expressed gratitude towards various agencies involved: “The Warrenville Police Department would like to thank...MERIT...the DuPage County Children’s Center...and State’s Attorney Bob Berlin for their support.” He added that "The alleged actions taken by Mr. Kramer were unthinkable; leaving his family permanently scarred."

Kramer’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 7, 2024 for arraignment before Judge Margaret O’Connell.

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

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