Sycamore man charged with attempted murder after attacking woman

SYCAMORE – A Sycamore man is accused of attempted murder after police said he assaulted a woman and attempted to suffocate her multiple times.

Thomas M. Connor, 58, of the 100 block of Vista Terrace, Sycamore, is charged with attempted first degree murder, aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and unlawful interference with a domestic violence report, according to DeKalb County court records.

If convicted of attempted first-degree murder, a Class X felony, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

According to a news release from the Sycamore Police Department, the charges stem from an incident that occurred about 10 p.m. Saturday.

Sycamore police were called by a third party to the 100 block of Vista Terrace on Sycamore’s east side for reports of a domestic disturbance.

When officers arrived they found the victim, a woman, who told them that Connor had allegedly physically assaulted her and tried to suffocate her multiple times for an hour.

The woman told police Connor had returned to the residence after work upset and began arguing with her, court records state. At one point, he allegedly grabbed the woman by the forearm and pushed her onto a bed. The woman told police she attempted to call 911 but was stopped after Connor allegedly took her phone and threw it against the wall.

The woman told police Connor allegedly then said, “You’re going to die [expletive]” and pinched her nose while cupping his hand over her mouth, records state.

The attack occurred repeatedly over an hour. At one point, the woman told police she attempted to cry out to for help, and a third party called 911.

Connor fled the residence before the police arrived, according to the release.

Police reportedly saw a large hole in the bathroom wall, which the woman said was caused by Connor who allegedly punched it after throwing the phone.

DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies later found Connor and arrested him. Connor injured his head while in the holding area at the Sycamore Police Department, according to the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office, and at one point banged his head against a cinder block in the cell.

During an interview at the Sycamore Police Department, the woman told police she’s been suffering at the hands of Connor for years. She said he allegedly smothered her with a pillow two years ago, and regularly attempts to control her actions by restricting who she talks to and when she’s allowed to leave the residence, records state. She also alleged Connor withholds medication from her.

Connor appeared before Judge Joseph Pedersen Monday for a bond hearing, court records show. He was represented by the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office.

At Pedersen’s ruling, Connor was issued a $150,000 bond, records show.

Connor is being held at DeKalb County Jail and would need to post $15,000 to be released. If he posts bail, he would be required to wear to an electronic home monitoring device, records show.

Court records also state that Connor has a history of criminal domestic violence out of Kane County and Aurora.

Connor is next ordered to appear for a status hearing on the charges at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21.

This story has been updated at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 16, 2022 with additional information from DeKalb County court records.