A Naperville woman faces serious charges after allegedly stabbing two young girls she was babysitting in a Lisle home last month. Jennifer Kouchoukos, 51, is now charged with two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, among other offenses, officials said Wednesday.
According to a Chicago Tribune report, the horrific incident unfolded around 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 17 when Lisle police responded to a suicide attempt report at a Matson Lane residence. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the two victims, aged 1 and 4, in different rooms drenched in blood. Kouchoukos herself was also found bloodied and unresponsive in the bathroom.
The victims were transported to a local hospital and later moved to Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago for treatment; they are currently recovering. "This is an extremely disturbing case for all those involved," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement obtained by the CBS News Chicago. Berlin expressed gratitude that the injuries weren't life-threatening and that the young girls appeared to be on the road to recovery.
Kouchoukos was taken to hospital before being booked into DuPage County Jail. Police reportedly found blood-soaked knives, an empty bottle of wine, and a nearly empty bottle of rum at the scene. At Kouchoukos' first court appearance Wednesday, a judge ordered that she be held until her trial. Berlin emphasized the gravity of the case and commended the local police department for their swift response. "Once they knew there was injured children inside, the officers rushed into the house without hesitation," Lisle police Chief Kevin Licko told the Chicago Tribune. She is slated to return to court on Jan. 12. Prosecutors have filed for a psychiatric evaluation to be conducted.
