GURNEE, IL — An 18-year-old Lake County resident is facing serious felony charges after allegedly shooting his 61-year-old family member in the face during an unprovoked attack Wednesday night at their shared home.
Gunshot to the Face Leaves Victim Hospitalized
Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 8:35 p.m. to the 34000 block of Route 21 in unincorporated Gurnee following a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the 61-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Authorities say the man was using his cellphone in his bedroom when he was unexpectedly shot.
The victim was rushed to a regional hospital. As of the latest update, he is expected to survive.
Suspect Identified as Relative Living in the Same Household
The alleged shooter, identified as Francis Lodesky, was arrested at the scene. According to detectives, Lodesky is related to the victim and lived in the same residence.
Investigators stated that the attack appeared unprovoked, and that Lodesky had previously expressed a desire to kill someone, based on preliminary interviews and collected statements.
Dozens of Weapons Recovered
The weapon used in the shooting was a .410-gauge revolver loaded with birdshot. Authorities recovered the firearm on the premises. In a startling development, deputies also confiscated more than 50 other firearms from the home, all of which are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Charges Filed, Bond Hearing Scheduled
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has officially filed charges against Lodesky, including:
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Attempted First-Degree Murder
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Aggravated Battery with a Firearm
He is currently being held at the Lake County Jail, and a bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Prosecutors are expected to request that Lodesky remain detained while awaiting trial.
Ongoing Investigation Could Lead to More Charges
Authorities noted that additional charges are possible pending further investigation and forensic review of the seized weapons.
“This was an unprovoked act of violence inside a family home, and the seriousness of the charges reflects that,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson stated Thursday.
As always, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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