Investigators released new details Friday about the possible motive in an attack on a Highland Park woman in her apartment earlier this week.
The family of the woman told police that the man charged in her attack–her nephew–was deeply in debt to her, investigators said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Atty. Steve Scheller said Alfred Hong, 52, of 1050 Devonshire Ct., owed his aunt and her husband $12,000.
Yet Scheller said it is still not clear what exactly prompted the attack, adding that police are also looking into Hong’s alleged gambling debts.
Hong’s attorney, Robert Aronson, dismissed Scheller’s explanation.
“I have no knowledge whatsoever of any money problems,” Aronson said.
Hong was charged with attempted murder after he was arrested Tuesday. He was being held in Lake County Jail in Waukegan on a $750,000 bond.
Scheller said Hong entered his aunt’s home in the 500 block of Elm Place about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday and tried to suffocate her with a pillow while she slept. Hong also allegedly attacked her with a razor blade.
The woman’s husband came into the bedroom when he heard the commotion and struggled with Hong, Scheller said. The woman ran from the apartment, and a passing motorist called police.
The woman, who is 68, was treated at Highland Park Hospital, where officials declined to release information about her condition.
