A judge set bond at $10 million for a man accused of slashing his cousin and stabbing her to death before her body was later discovered in a wheelbarrow in Wadsworth.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday to the 13100 block of West Shenandoah Trail in Wadsworth for a check on well-being call.
The caller was a relative of Monica T. Green, 47, who lives at the residence, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
The caller was supposed to pick Green up for an appointment but the woman was not answering the doorbell or her phone.
While in the driveway, Green’s cousin, Quentin V. Harvell, 27, who also resides at the same address, told the caller that Green was not home.
The caller found that odd as Green had no method of transportation, Covelli said.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and spoke to the 911 caller.
While they were talking to the caller, Harvell exited the residence and spoke with sheriff’s deputies.
Deputies noticed dry blood on Harvell’s arms while speaking with him.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Emma Smoler said Harvell claimed he was defending himself against his cousin when deputies asked about the blood.
Harvell was detained and sheriff’s deputies conducted a protective sweep of the residence, at which point they located blood inside the home, Covelli said.
Sheriff’s deputies also located a shovel near a rear door.
Deputies continued their sweep outside and located Green deceased in a wheelbarrow near a tree line in the rear of the property.
Green appeared to have several sharp-force injuries and cuts on her body, Covelli said.
Smoler said four obvious puncture wounds were spotted on Green’s body, consistent with being stabbed in the face and neck.
There was also a significant slash across the woman’s throat, Smoler said, adding that Green had defensive wounds on her hands.
Sheriff’s detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and located numerous items of evidence.
Covelli said detectives found a knife with what appeared to have fresh blood on it.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Monica. I applaud the fast actions taken by our first-responding sheriff’s deputies and the investigation conducted by our detectives, resulting in the offender being arrested and charged quickly,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
Harvell was transported to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division to be interviewed.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and Harvell was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Harvell appeared in bond court Thursday morning where he indicated he was going to try and hire a private attorney.
Prosecutors asked a minimum of a $5 million bond be imposed but they did not file a petition to hold Harvell without bond.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak initially set bond at $5 million but then increased it to $10 million moments later.
Harvell would need to post $1 million cash in order to be released.
He remains held in the Lake County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again next Thursday for a status of attorney hearing.