Jonathon Gounaris, 32, is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card.

The sheriff’s department received a call at 9:59 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, of a deceased person at the small rural home located about 3 1/2 miles east of Oregon.

Duane Meyer, 42, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, house fire in which Meyer’s ex-wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead.

Through a plea agreement, Gary Freeman, 29, was sentenced Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, to 35 years in prison.

Andrew Gornick appeared Wednesday for a preliminary hearing on charges of stalking, cyberstalking and harassment through electronic communication – all felony offenses.

Prosecutors say he sent hundreds of threatening emails last month.

Listen to the TALK-LINE interview with Ogle County State's Attorney Mike Rock talking about 2024 statistics and a criminal court case in Byron.

Misdemeanor charge results in revocation of pretrial release on two 2024 retail theft charges.

His next court date is Feb. 21.