Algonquin man charged with first-degree murder in stabbing death of girlfriend

An Algonquin man is in custody and charged with first-degree murder after his girlfriend was found dead with stab wounds on Saturday morning at her Schaumburg home, Schaumburg police said.

Anthony R. Prate, 55 of the 1400 block of Spring Hill Drive in Algonquin, has a bond hearing on the first-degree murder charge set for Monday at the Cook County Circuit Court Third Municipal District Rolling Meadows Courthouse.

Prate allegedly called 911 at 1:31 a.m. Saturday and alerted police of a physical altercation between himself and his girlfriend at her home, in the 300 block of Arbor Glen Boulevard. Once police arrived, they said they found Prate's girlfriend, 48-year-old Malgorzata "Margaret" Daniel, dead with multiple stab wounds.

On Sunday, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy and ruled the death a homicide resulting from more than 20 cutting injuries.

On the 911 call, Prate told police that the two had a physical altercation and both were injured. Prate was taken to the hospital by the Schaumburg Fire Department for injuries to his hands and arms. He subsequently was released and taken into custody for further questioning.

Following the autopsy, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed details of the Schaumburg Police Department's investigation and decided to charge Prate with first-degree murder, a Class X felony.

Prate is the Vice President of Eye Works, Ltd., in Lake Zurich and Barrington, according to the company's website.

On March 1, 2011, Prate was the driver in a Lake in the Hills crash that killed his wife, 45-year-old Bridget Prate. In that case, Prate's vehicle crossed the center line and hit a southbound SUV on the west side of Pyott Road before striking a tree and fence.

Prate was charged with improper traffic lane usage and took both traffic safety school and was given 120 days of supervision for the petty offense.