A press release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney:

WILLIAM ROSS SENTENCED TO 49 YEARS IN THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR THE OFFENSE OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that William Ross, 65, of McHenry was sentenced to 49 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of first degree murder.

Under the Truth in Sentencing Guidelines, the defendant must serve 100% of the sentence.

On July 22, 2016, a McHenry County jury found Mr. Ross guilty of first degree murder after a five day trial.

The evidence presented showed that the defendant shot his girlfriend, Jacqueline Schaefer, in the head and back with a firearm.

After killing Ms. Schaefer the defendant “entombed” her in a spare bedroom by sealing her body inside with caulk and duct tape.

The defendant’s DNA standard was discovered in a piece of latex glove that was recovered from the interior of the door after it was removed by the police.

The defendant fled the jurisdiction after the body was discovered and he was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada and extradited to McHenry County.

This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Combs, David Johnston and Dan Wilbrandt.