Crime & Safety

McHenry Man Arrested for Murder of Woman Whose Skeletal Remains Were Found in His Home

A 62-year-old McHenry man was arrested this past week for murder following an investigation into the death of Jacqueline R. Schaefer whose remains were found in their home on County Club Road in November. 

William J. Ross owned the home at 518 Country Club Road in McHenry where Schaefer's body was found by a caretaker. The home had not been lived in for over 18 months when he located the skeletal remains.

The caretaker called police after discovering the remains on Nov. 8. When deputies arrived, they found the body, which appeared to have been deceased for "some time," according to a McHenry County Sheriff's Office press release. Schaefer had lived at the home. 

Ross was arrested in November for concealment of a homicidal death. He posted his $10,000 cash bond on Feb. 15 and was released from jail.

On July 24, Ross was arrested again — this time on a murder charge, according to the news release. 

The upgraded charge comes after the McHenry County Sheriff's Officer, in cooperation with the Illinois State Police crime lab, was able to identify additional evidence in the case, according to the news release. 

Details surrounding the new evidence is not being released. 

No additional charges are expected in this case. Ross is currently being held on bond at the McHenry County Correctional Facility. 


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