Teenagers deny 
battery charges

WOODSTOCK – Two 17-year-old Woodstock boys formally denied allegations Wednesday that they beat a Woodstock man who died two days later.

Steven A. Vasquez-Gomez and Michael P. Dunn Jr. pleaded not guilty to felony charges of aggravated battery and mob action.

The pair allegedly punched William J. Vahldieck, 20, at Emricson Park in Woodstock on May 7.

Their charges do not pertain to Vahldieck’s death May 9. Vahldieck collapsed after colliding with another softball player May 10 while they were trying to field a fly ball. He died about 11:15 a.m. the next day.

Prosecutors are waiting for a neurologist report to complete the autopsy and potentially reveal whether the May 9 fight contributed to his death, said Nichole Owens, chief of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Criminal Division. Charges could be upgraded if the autopsy indicates a link, Owens said.

Dunn’s attorney, Philip Prossnitz, complimented prosecutors for reviewing the medical results.

“It’s comforting to us that they’re doing a thorough analysis and not being guided by passion,” Prossnitz said.

Vasquez-Gomez’ attorney, Margi Worth, declined to comment Wednesday.

Both Dunn and Vasquez-Gomez are free after posting 10 percent of their $25,000 bail shortly after their arrests. If convicted of the more serious charge, they could be sentenced to probation or to between two and five years in prison.

Their cases next are due in court Aug. 19.