Police: Wonder Lake man killed girlfriend

WONDER LAKE – Police arrested a 39-year-old Wonder Lake man Tuesday who they said beat to death a 33-year-old Wisconsin woman whom he had been dating since March.

Thomas A. Brown, of 2912 Michael St., was charged with murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault. Sheriff’s police said he fatally beat Vitriza M. Wedward of West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee, in a raised ranch in Wonder Lake.

“Neighbors had seen arguments between the two in the past,” said Lt. Andy Zinke of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. “It sounds like their relationship was on the rocks, and she was dating another man.”

Preliminary autopsy results indicated that Wedward died of blunt trauma to the head. Zinke said police do not believe weapons were involved.

Police believe an alcohol-fueled argument began at the home about midnight. They found evidence of an altercation when they arrived about 6 a.m. Tuesday. Wedward was taken to Centegra Hospital – McHenry, where she later was pronounced dead.

Zinke said a Breathalyzer test revealed alcohol in Brown’s system, but he declined to reveal the amount. Authorities have not yet received toxicology tests related to Wedward.

The two had met on an online dating service. Zinke said Brown was arrested in the past for domestic battery, but not in connection with incidents involving Wedward.

Brown was held without bond Tuesday evening in McHenry County Jail. He was expected to appear before a judge this morning.

A handful of neighbors looked on Tuesday night as sheriff’s detectives searched in and around Brown’s home, removing various items of evidence. A sign with a photo of a fist and handgun posted along the house’s fence read “This property protected by me & Smith & Wesson. We don’t call 911.”

Brown reportedly had been renting the home for the last several months from one of his best friends, neighbors said. Wedward had been staying with him for a few weeks.

“He’s a quiet guy,” said one neighbor, who wished not to reveal his name. “He was a good guy. He’d do anything for you.”

Wedward left behind a 61-year-old estranged husband and a 5-year-old son. Kenneth Wedward said he met Vitriza in the Philippines, moved her to Wisconsin, and married her about six years ago. She moved out about a month ago.

“She wanted a better life, but she had a little mischief in her,” Kenneth Wedward said.

He said she enjoyed needlecrafts, karaoke, and singing and dancing. He said he planned to save some of her belongings for their son.

• Northwest Herald reporter Amber Krosel contributed to this report.