(Lake County, IL) – A Waukegan man who severely beat a woman after she turned down his romantic advances was convicted of both attempted murder and aggravated battery by a jury in Lake County Circuit Court Thursday.
The jury deliberated less than four hours before finding Varghese Philip, 54, guilty of two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery in the attack, which left the Waukegan woman in a temporary coma with traumatic brain injury that required months of rehabilitation and still affects her life today, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said after the woman had declined a request to see Philip, who was married, Philip became increasingly agitated and sought her out.
Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Kalcheim-Rothenberg stated, “Without the victim’s testimony, this offender would have gotten away with this awful attack. She should be commended by all for her strength and bravery.”
The attack took place the night of June 21, 2018 in the parking lot of an apartment complex at Sunset and Golf roads in Waukegan, where the victim used to live.
According to prosecutors Scott Hoffert and Lauren Kalcheim-Rothenberg, as well as trial testimony, Philip approached the woman and stabbed her in the head with a knife, causing her to fall to the ground. He then kicked and stomped her head as she lost consciousness.
Philip was identified by witnesses and arrested by police. He has been held in Lake County Jail since on $500,000. Judge George Strickland revoked bond for Philip after the verdict was read.
“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,” State’s Attorney Rinehart stated after the verdict.
Philip faces a sentencing range of between six and 30 years, to be served at 85 percent. A sentencing date has not yet been set, but Strickland scheduled a Nov. 18 date to hear post-trial motions.
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