Kevin D. Motykie, 56, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault in the death of his longtime girlfriend Katherine Torbick, 43, in Schaumburg, Illinois. The couple had been in a relationship for about 10 years and lived together. Torbick had recently started dating another man. On April 30, 2026, Motykie assaulted Torbick over several hours, as captured on a digital recording, culminating in her death by strangulation. Motykie was found intoxicated and taken into custody. Earlier in March, Motykie had assaulted Torbick in a violent incident involving strangulation and threats. Motykie had prior orders of protection against him. The case is pending with a court date set for May 29, 2026.
Country: United States
State/Province: Illinois, United States
City/Region: Schaumburg
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Live-in relationship
Relationship Duration: About 10 years
Incident Date: April 30, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
About 10 years
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-04-30
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
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Original language: English
Suburban Chicago man charged in killing of longtime girlfriend, new details revealed in court
Jealousy
The case involves a prolonged domestic violence pattern marked by jealousy and control. The suspect assaulted the victim over several hours, including sexual assault and physical violence, culminating in homicide. Prior incidents of violence and threats, including a previous assault in March and multiple protection orders, indicate an escalating pattern of abuse linked to jealousy and relationship conflict.
Police recovered a digital recording capturing the assault and murder. Motykie was found intoxicated and in possession of handcuffs, a key, and a noose. Prior assault in March was documented with injuries and a suicide note attempt. Motykie had three prior orders of protection. The case is pending with a court date scheduled. Motykie was hospitalized post-arrest and then taken into custody.
No significant confusion reported. The suspect was found at the scene and evidence includes a recording of the assault. Prior incidents and protection orders clarify the pattern of abuse.
The victim and suspect lived together for about 10 years. The victim began dating another man in early April 2026. On April 30, after the victim was unresponsive and unreachable, police entered the home and found her dead. A digital recording device recovered from Motykie captured a prolonged assault starting around 2 a.m. and ending with the victim's strangulation around 9:24 a.m. Prior violent incidents in March involved strangulation and threats. Motykie was intoxicated and had weapons and restraints at the scene.
High risk due to prior violent incidents, escalation in violence, presence of weapons, and threats to kill. The suspect's intoxication and prior protection orders further increase risk.
Long-term domestic violence can escalate to fatal outcomes, especially when jealousy and control are present. Prior protection orders and documented assaults are critical warning signs. Digital evidence such as recordings can provide crucial proof of abuse and homicide. Early intervention and monitoring of high-risk individuals are essential.
Prior assault in March with strangulation and threats, multiple orders of protection, victim's fear of being killed, and the victim beginning a new relationship.
Digital recording of the assault, physical injuries consistent with strangulation and assault, presence of restraints and weapons, and prior documented incidents.
Audio recording of the assault, medical examiner's report confirming strangulation and trauma, police recovery of handcuffs, key, and noose, and witness/neighbour 911 call after March assault.
Neighbor called 911 after March assault when victim fled for help. Victim reported fear of being killed to officers after March incident. No other witness statements reported.
No follow-up reports available beyond initial charges and court date scheduling.
No information on suspect's occupation or motive beyond jealousy and relationship conflict. No details on the new partner or custody arrangements.