March 28, 2024
Local News

Algonquin mom fired rifle at TV as 3 kids watch Primus music video, police say

40-year-old woman 'just walked into the room and started shooting,' police says

WOODSTOCK – An Algonquin woman told authorities she was upset with what her children were watching and how much TV they consumed when she allegedly shot the TV set, Algonquin police said.

The woman, 40-year-old Jennifer S. Ullery, of 3012 Talaga Drive, was charged with discharge of a firearm, a felony, and other misdemeanors.

Algonquin Deputy Police Chief Andrew Doles said the children – ages 15, 11, and 6 – were watching a music video by the rock band Primus when Ullery entered the room and fired “multiple rounds” at the TV. Doles said the children were in front of the TV on the couch when Ullery allegedly fired a Ruger .22 long rifle at the TV. It’s unclear how many shots were fired.

“Mom didn’t say anything, she just walked into the room and started shooting the TV,” Doles said.

Doles said the incident happened Jan. 20, but authorities were notified by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services of the shattered 50-inch Panasonic flatscreen TV on Feb. 9. Ullery was charged and later posted $1,500 bond.

On Monday, she appeared before McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather and pleaded not guilty to the felony and four misdemeanor offenses: possession of a firearm without a FOID and three counts of endangering the life of a child.

She will be represented by Special Public Defender Hank Sugden.

Algonquin police have responded to Ullery’s townhome in the past, twice in January for child custody disputes, Doles said. Police arrested Daniel R. Ullery, 31, in March 2014 for an alleged domestic battery involving Jennifer Ullery. Those charges were amended to a battery, and Daniel Ullery received a year of court supervision.

After Jennifer Ullery’s arrest, DCFS placed the children in the care of another family member. It’s unclear where the children are now living, Doles said.

Jennifer Ullery’s next court date is April 20.