Geneva man accused of domestic battery, threatening victim with a handgun

GENEVA – A Geneva man is facing charges of domestic battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for threatening the victim with a gun, according to police reports and court records.

Justin M. Soderquist, 43, of the 500 block of Westfield Course, Geneva, was charged Dec. 20 with two counts of domestic battery and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, all misdemeanors, police reports and court records show.

Police were called to the Westfield Course home about 1 a.m. in response to a victim who said they had obtained an order of protection against Soderquist that day, the report stated.

The victim told police that Soderquist had come home intoxicated and they had a heated argument, reports stated.

Soderquist allegedly threatened the victim and a dog with unspecified violence, the report stated.

At one point during their argument, Soderquist went into the bedroom and came out with a handgun, first holding it to himself and threatening to kill himself, then struck the victim in the forehead with his elbow while holding the gun, the report stated.

“The defendant then pressed the handgun against the victim’s upper left chest area while stating, ‘Are you willing to die for what you believe in?’” the report stated.

Soderquist went back to his bedroom and left his handgun there, but returned to the family room and continued to argue with the victim, the report stated.

Soderquist took the cremated remains of the victim’s father, threw the container against the wall, denting the drywall, the report stated.

“The defendant then smashed the box containing the remains, took the bag of ashes out, then punched the bag of ashes into the victim’s stomach,” the report stated.

The terms of Soderquist’s bond are that he cannot use drugs or alcohol, and have no contact with the victim, nor entry at the Westfield Course address, court records show.

All three charges against Soderquist are Class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500, if convicted.

Soderquist’s attorney, Brick Van Der Snick, said he was just retained the night before.

“The allegations are serious,” Van Der Snick. “We do not know if there is a basis to the charges. We are investigating, we will get the police reports and we will proceed.”

Soderquist is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 10.