Wonder Lake man pleads not guilty to murder

WOODSTOCK – A 39-year-old Wonder Lake man accused of beating his girlfriend to death June 9 could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Thomas A. Brown, of 2912 Michael St., pleaded not guilty Monday to four counts of first-degree murder and a single count of aggravated criminal sexual assault. Authorities allege that he killed Vitriza M. Wedward, 33, by beating her with his fist, slamming her into a wall, and raping her when she could not give consent.

He could be sentenced to natural life or between six and 100 years in prison, if convicted. In two of the five counts, jurors will be asked whether they thought Brown’s alleged behavior was “exceptionally brutal or heinous.” If they answer yes or if he is convicted of committing the murder while committing another felony, he would face a life prison sentence.

Preliminary autopsy results indicated that Wedward, previously of West Allis, Wis., died of blunt trauma to the head.

Sheriff’s police believe that an alcohol-fueled argument began about midnight June 9 in the raised ranch that Brown rented in Wonder Lake. Emergency personnel arrived about 6 a.m. and took Wedward to Centegra Hospital-McHenry, where she later was pronounced dead.
The pair had met on an online dating service.

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 of the home they shared about a month before her death.

Brown remained in McHenry County jail Monday afternoon unable to post 10 percent of his $1 million bail. He is due in court Wednesday for a bond hearing.