A press release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office:
HOWARD DIBBERN FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE, AND CONCEALMENT OF A HOMICIDAL DEATH
Howard Dibbern
Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Howard Dibbern, 52, was found guilty but mentally ill of two counts of first degree murder, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and concealment of a homicidal death.
The evidence introduced at trial showed that on June 2, 2014, Dibbern murdered Karen Scavelli in her home in Island Lake and then subsequently tried to hide Scavelli’s body.
Dibbern then stole Scavelli’s vehicle and the following day Dibbern fled from police officers and crashed Scavelli’s vehicle into a house and attempted to commit suicide.
At trial, Dibbern raised the affirmative defense of insanity.
After hearing testimony from two separate psychologists, Judge Sharon Prather found that Dibbern was not insane at the time of the crimes but that he did suffer from a mental illness which does not relieve Dibbern from any responsibility for the crimes he committed.
Howard Dibbern
The sentencing range combined for all the offenses is 28-95 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Dibbern will be sentenced on November 23, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.
The McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team (MIAT) and the Island Lake Police Department investigated this case.
This case was prosecuted by Robert Zalud and Rita Gara of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Thanks to disgraced ex-gov Ryan, we no longer have the death penalty
in Illinois – this POS deserves it.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
looks like Jacko Franks will have to find a permanent replacement for one of his deceitful sign erecting crews!
Scary to think what could have happened in this case if Flavin were States Attorney.
Good thing the voters are too smart for that.
BROVO Zalaud keep up the great job you are doing!