Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing announced that Judge Kishori Tank has approved the State's request to detain Charles Witter, a Lombard resident, before his trial. Witter is charged with First Degree Murder in connection with the death of his wife, Helen Witter.

Charles Witter, 81, appeared in court this morning facing two counts of First Degree Murder. On January 17, 2025, at approximately 12:38 a.m., emergency services received a call from Witter reporting that he had allegedly shot his wife. Upon arrival at their residence on N. Clarendon Avenue, officers took him into custody. Inside the home, police found Helen Witter unconscious with severe injuries and blood on her head. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after.

The investigation suggests that an argument between the couple escalated while they were in bed, leading Charles to allegedly retrieve a gun from his nightstand and shoot Helen once. Afterward, he reportedly called 9-1-1.

Berlin commented on the case: “The alleged shooting death of Helen Witter is indeed a tragedy,” adding condolences to the family and acknowledging the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors involved in the case.

Witter's next court appearance is set for February 10, 2025, before Judge Mia McPherson.

Authorities remind the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair trial.