Funeral services are set for a mother of two and grandmother of three who was murdered, allegedly by her husband of nearly 50 years, near Harvard as her family mourns her death.
Santina Perri, 65, of Itasca, was found dead on December 13 at a home in the 4500 block of Island Road in unincorporated Harvard, according to McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein.
Her husband, Silvano Perri, 75, of Itasca, has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, a Class M felony.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, McHenry County Conservation Police Department and Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 4:55 p.m. that day for a check on the well-being call.
A 911 caller reported their grandmother had possibly been stabbed, according to emergency radio traffic.
Sheriff’s officials said officers discovered Santina Perri deceased and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Officers also located Silvano Perri, who was suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was performed on Tuesday on Santina Perri.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Silvano Perri caused Santina Perri’s death by shooting her.
Harvard Fire Chief John Kimmel said Silvano Perri was transported by ambulance to Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center in Harvard.
He was then flown from the hospital helipad to a Level 1 trauma center for treatment of serious injuries.
The sheriff’s office had established a crime scene and was seen investigating at the home throughout the evening and into the following day.
Sheriff’s officials said the incident was isolated and there is no threat to the public.
Silvano Perri and Santina Perri were husband and wife, the sheriff’s office said. The two primarily resided in Itasca but also owned the Harvard residence.
Perri was released from the hospital and transported on Tuesday to the McHenry County Jail.
He booked into the jail and appeared for Initial Appearance Court on Wednesday afternoon.
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain him pending trial, arguing he poses a danger to the community.
McHenry County Judge Cynthia Lamb ordered Perri to be held in the jail pending trial after granting the petition on Thursday afternoon.
The hearing was continued from Wednesday until Thursday upon Perri’s request. The man stipulated to the petition and agreed to be detained during the Thursday hearing.
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese said after court that she sends her “deepest condolences to those most deeply impacted by this horrific event.”
Freese said that the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation of this “tragedy” and also recognized staff from her office for their work on the case.
An obituary for Santina Perri said she was a “cherished soul” and devoted matriarch who was born in Italy.
“Santina touched the lives of many with her loving, caring, and passionate nature,” her obituary said.
Santina Perri was the third oldest in a family of 10 and is “warmly remembered as a fond wife” to Silvano Perri, the obituary said. The two got married in January 1976, nearly 50 years ago.
The woman was described as a devoted mother to her two sons and she found “immense joy” in her role as a grandmother of three.
“Her grandchildren were a source of pride and happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with them. In addition to her immediate family, Santina was an adoring sister, and she is survived by her siblings,” the obituary said.
“Santina’s memory will forever remain an angel in our hearts, enriching our lives with her warmth and affection. Her legacy of love will continue to shine brightly through her family and all who knew her,” the obituary added.
A visitation is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Sunday followed by a funeral service at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels in Roselle. Entombment will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.
Perri is scheduled to appear in court again on December 23.