A man who crashed a dead woman's car into a Mundelein home Tuesday has been charged with murder.
Howard E. Dibbern, 49, appeared in court Thursday and was held on a $2 million bond in connection with the death of 48-year-old Karen M. Scavelli of Island Lake.
Scavelli was found in her home in the 700 block of Dartmouth Drive at about 9:30 p.m. Monday, after a person reported being unable to reach her. Initial autopsy results showed she died of blunt force trauma.
Mundelein police responded to a report of a snatched purse at the Gale Street Inn Tuesday morning, and tried to stop Dibbern in a vehicle after he matched the suspect description. Police say Dibbern took a sharp u-turn on Route 45 and Diamond Lake Road, accelerated away from the officers and crashed into a home.
Dibbern was hospitalized after police say he used a knife and hammer to inflict injuries to his arm, head and abdomen after the crash, prompting officers to use a Taser to stop him.
Investigators are trying to find any individuals who may have spoken to or have knowledge of the whereabouts of Dibbern and Scavelli earlier this week.
Anyone with information is asked to call the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Tipline at (815)338-2144.
