An 18-year-old man who allegedly stabbed a Vernon Hills woman more than 20 times because “she annoyed him,” pleaded not guilty late Thursday morning to charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery.
Daniel Dion, of Des Plaines, who is being held without bail in Lake County Jail, faces one count of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly stabbing his date, 24-year-old Katherine King, outside of a Deer Park movie theater Jan. 8.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Dion allegedly admitted to investigators that he stabbed King multiple times. Both of her lungs were punctured in the attack, police said.
King, who also had cuts to her face and neck, was able to escape the car and run into the theater to get help. She recovered after treatment and surgery in the intensive care unit at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
More Top Picks Asus Tuf A16 Review
She was present in court Thursday with family members and declined to comment on the case after the arraignment.
Attempted first-degree murder is a Class X felony that carries a sentencing range of six to 30 years. It also can be extended up to 60 years under certain aggravating circumstances. Aggravated battery is a Class 3 felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Dion’s plea was entered through his attorney, Ian Kasper, who had no comment after the arraignment. Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Ori also declined comment.
The case is being heard by Judge George Strickland, who set a trial date of April 13, with a case management hearing for March 19.
Dion was arrested shortly after officers arrived about 8:45 p.m. to the Century Theater at 21600 W. Field Parkway in Deer Park.
Authorities said Dion admitted he attacked the woman while inside her vehicle. He allegedly told investigators “he woke up in the morning with the intent to kill her because she annoyed him,” according to a police news release following the incident.
Lake County sheriff’s officials said Dion arranged to meet with King under the “guise” of going on a date at the movie theater.
Dion attempted to run from the scene after the stabbing, but was spotted by theater employees and “was covered in blood so it was easy to find him,” Undersheriff Ray Rose said.
Twitter @jimnewton5