A judge released a woman on her own recognizance after she allegedly shot and killed her husband accidentally at their Lindenhurst home Thursday afternoon.
Kellee Holmes, 41, of the 1-100 block of Crooked Lake Lane in Lindenhurst, was charged with one count of reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony.
The Lindenhurst Police Department and Lake Villa Fire Protection District responded around 2:10 p.m. Thursday to Holmes’ residence on Crooked Lake Lane for a report of an accidental shooting.
Holmes called 911 and reported she had accidentally shot her husband.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen McConnell said during a bond hearing Friday morning that Holmes and her 44-year-old husband returned home after buying cooking supplies at Jewel-Osco.
Holmes’ husband went to urinate in the corner of the garage when Holmes exited the vehicle with her firearm in her hand to transport it, McConnell said.
One round was discharged and struck Holmes’ husband in the abdominal area.
Officers arrived and found the man in the garage with one gunshot wound, Lindenhurst Police Chief Thomas Jones said.
Paramedics transported the man to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he was later pronounced dead in the evening, McConnell said.
Holmes has a valid FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card and a concealed carry license.
Lake County Judge Bolling Haxall released Holmes on a $20,000 recognizance bond.
Haxall said prosecutors have not given sufficient probable cause for the “reckless” nature of the charge.
Holmes also has five kids, which appeared to influence Haxall’s decision to release her.
Police conducted a preliminary investigation, including interviewing and collecting evidence, Jones said.
The case was reviewed with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and the charges were approved.
An autopsy on Holmes’ husband has been scheduled with the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
The incident remains under investigation by the Lindenhurst Police Department.
Holmes is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on December 15.