A Waukegan man was found guilty this week of attempted murder for a 2018 attack on a woman who had rebuffed his romantic advances.
Varghese Philip, 54, was found guilty in the attack in which the woman was stabbed and severely beaten. The June 21, 2018, attack took place in the parking lot of the woman’s apartment complex in Waukegan. He faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
The attack left the woman in a coma and she suffered brain injuries that still affect her today, prosecutors said.
Philip was found guilty after a jury trial this week in the Lake County courtroom of Judge George Strickland. The woman testified against Philip, a married man who allegedly was angry that she had rejected his romantic overtures.
The jury deliberated about four hours before returning guilty verdicts Thursday, said prosecutors, who credited the bravery of the victim.
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“Without the victim’s testimony, this offender would have gotten away with this awful attack,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg, who prosecuted the case along with Scott Hoffert.
Philip has been held in the Lake County Jail since the attack in lieu of $500,000 bail. He will be back in court Nov. 18 for post-trial motions. No sentencing date has been set.
“Our prosecutors, victim advocates, and law enforcement partners got the job done and a dangerous offender faces sentencing soon. Our entire office stands with this courageous survivor,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
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