An Elgin woman found dead in a northwest suburban townhouse Saturday was stabbed to death, according to preliminary results of a Monday autopsy.
A woman found dead in a northwest suburban townhouse Saturday was stabbed to death, according to preliminary results of a Monday autopsy
Lisa Koziol-Ellis, 33, was found dead in her home at 1 Garden Crescent Dr. in Elgin at 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Her husband, “Dash” Ellis, reportedly called 911 and told police he had found her injured when he got home from work.
In a statement, Kane County Coroner Rob Russell said a forensic pathologist performed an autopsy Monday and ruled the preliminary cause of death was homicide by multiple stab wounds.
However, as is almost always done in autopsies, toxicology samples were taken from the body to be analyzed for possible poisoning and drugs.
"We will leave no stone unturned until we find out who committed this crime," said Commander Glenn Theriault of Elgin Police Department.
Neighbors said the couple had just moved into the complex within the week and were "just a normal couple."
"I just hope they find whatever happened," said concerned neighbor Sharon Branch. "Nothing like this has ever happened since we moved here six years ago."
Authorities declined to say whether they believe the woman was targetted or whether she might have surprised a burglar in her home.
They do not suspect Koziol-Ellis' husband at this time.
Nicknamed “Foxy Goat,” Koziol-Ellis had many tattoos on her arms and chest. An artist and jewelry-maker, she described herself on Facebook as “a goat-flavored smut lover who makes dazzling jewelry and random art awesomeness.”
She was one of the arts and crafts vendors at the 2012 Monster Mash Up, held last June at the Haight building in downtown Elgin.
Her friend Mitchell Wells of Chicago commented on the Website horrorsociety.com on Monday that despite what he called a “smut-tastic vocabulary,” Koziol-Ellis “was never anything other than happy and full of energy.
“She had a magnetic personality that brought out the best of everyone she has ever talked to. Once you met her and talked to her, she felt like your best friend,” he wrote.
Built in the 1970s, the townhouse is located at the entrance to Garden Quarter subdivision just west of Wing Park, with its rear facing busy Wing Street.
The Garden Quarter condominium association sent other residents an email Saturday, suggesting they leave on porchlights and stay alert to suspicious activity.
Police would not say whether the home showed signs of a break-in.
It was the year’s first homicide in Elgin, which had two in 2012 and five in 2011.
Police ask that anyone with information calls the Elgin Police Department by texting a tip to 847-411 or by calling (847) 289-2700.
