Sycamore, Illinois – A man from Earlville faces charges after a violent attack and home invasion, where he allegedly strangled and beat a woman who tried to escape multiple times during a drive. Steven S. Frangoules, 32, has been charged with several offenses, including aggravated domestic battery and home invasion, according to court records filed in DeKalb County on April 16.
If convicted of the most serious charge of home invasion, a Class X felony, Frangoules could potentially face up to 30 years in prison. Frangoules appeared in court for his initial hearing, where the judge ordered him to be held without release pending trial after the prosecution argued that his violent actions and criminal history made him a threat to society.
During the incident on April 15, Frangoules and the woman were leaving a bar in Sandwich when the attack occurred. The woman sustained multiple injuries to her face, mouth, neck, arms, and ankle, leading to her receiving medical treatment. Frangoules allegedly became violent towards the woman while driving, causing her to fear for her life.
Despite the defense attorney arguing a lack of evidence, the prosecution maintained that the severity of the attack warranted keeping Frangoules in custody. The woman managed to escape from Frangoules several times during the incident, with Frangoules allegedly threatening to kill her each time.
After fleeing to a neighbor’s house and calling 911, the woman was able to escape from Frangoules’ grip. The judge ordered Frangoules to appear for arraignment at a later date, highlighting concerns about the potential for further violence towards the victim if he were to be released.
The case underscores the importance of taking domestic violence cases seriously and ensuring the safety of victims. Authorities are urging anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and report incidents to prevent future harm. Frangoules’ trial is set to proceed, with the hope of securing justice for the victim and holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions.