Authorities have released the identity of a 44-year-old man who prosecutors said was accidentally shot and killed by his wife at their Lindenhurst home on Thanksgiving Day.
An autopsy performed Tuesday showed that Charles Holmes, 44, of Lindenhurst, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the abdomen, according to Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton.
The man’s wife, 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 the couple’s residence on Crooked Lake Lane for a report of a shooting.
Kellee Holmes called 911 and reported she had accidentally shot her husband, police said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen McConnell said during a bond hearing Friday morning that Holmes and her husband returned home after buying cooking supplies at Jewel-Osco.
Charles Holmes went to urinate in the corner of the garage when Holmes exited the vehicle with her firearm in her hand, McConnell said.
One round was discharged and struck Charles Holmes in the abdominal area.
Officers arrived and found the man in the garage with a single 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 that evening, McConnell said.
Holmes has a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card and a concealed carry license.
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.
Lake County Judge Bolling Haxall released Holmes on a $20,000 personal recognizance bond.
Haxall said prosecutors had 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.
The incident remains under investigation by the Lindenhurst Police Department.
Holmes is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on December 15.