Chicago man charged in connection with body found in Old Mill Creek

WAUKEGAN – A Chicago man has been charged in connection with a woman’s body that was found Nov. 29 on the side of a roadway in Old Mill Creek.

During the autopsy, the Lake County Coroner’s Office determined Megan Lewis was 16 weeks pregnant when she was murdered, according to a news release.

Lake County Sheriff’s detectives thoroughly processed the crime scene and found physical evidence that identified Juan A. Vega-Montoya, 37, of the 2100 block of North Narragansett Avenue, Chicago, as a potential suspect, according to the release.

Sheriff’s detectives said Lewis was picked up by Vega-Montoya on Nov. 26 in the area of Cicero Avenue and West Belden Avenue in Chicago. Detectives believe Vega-Montoya began arguing with Lewis in the vehicle. During the argument, Vega-Montoya strangled Lewis, police said.

Vega-Montoya then drove home and left Lewis’ body in his vehicle for two days before dumping her on the side of Hunt Club Road during the overnight hours of Nov. 28, police said.

On Dec. 11, sheriff’s detectives conducted surveillance in the area of Vega-Montoya’s home. Vega-Montoya was spotted driving and detectives conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody. Additional physical evidence of the homicide was found inside Vega-Montoya’s vehicle, police said.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge of concealing a homicidal death for Vega-Montoya.

Because the homicide of Lewis took place in the city of Chicago, sheriff’s detectives have tendered all investigative information to the Chicago Police Department and it is expected it will seek murder charges for Vega-Montoya.