47-year-old Spring Grove man charged with first-degree murder

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 47-year-old man on first-degree murder charges, stemming from a Wednesday night incident north of Spring Grove.

About 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, sheriff’s deputies responded to the 11100 block of Serenity Path to assist the Spring Grove Fire Protection District. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly discovered John Maki Jr. and the body of a man inside the home, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

McHenry County Deputy Coroner Orlando Portillo said an autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning. He declined to give information on the dead man.

“An investigation was launched, and the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team was activated. Maki Jr. was subsequently taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree murder,” according to the news release.

Spring Grove police, Illinois State Police and the Richmond Township Fire Protection District also responded to the scene.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office, McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team and the McHenry County Coroner's Office still are investigating. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the county's Criminal Investigation Division at 815-334-4750.

Deputies went in and out of the home, which was surrounded by crime scene tape, Thursday afternoon. Residents, who declined to give their names, said sheriff’s deputies were at the home overnight Wednesday.

First-degree murder carries a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison. Maki Jr. is set to appear at 8 a.m. Friday in McHenry County Court.

Maki Jr. remained in the McHenry County Jail on Thursday night, online jail records show.

Neighbor Chris Hoguet said Maki Jr. lived in the house and generally kept to himself.

“It’s terrifying, especially with us having kids,” Hoguet said of the incident. “I’ll feel a lot better once I know the full truth of it.”