78-Year Old Homeless Man Arrested for Battery Near Union To Be Held in Jail

From the State’s Attorney:

COURT GRANTS STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE’S PETITION TO DETAIN 78-YEAR-OLD MAN CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED BATTERY

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office announces today that the Honorable Judge Jeffrey J. Altman granted the State’s motion to deny pretrial release for Wayne John Christiansen, 78, reportedly homeless. Christensen appeared in Initial Appearance Court on June 5, 2025, charged with three counts of Aggravated Battery.

Evidence presented in court on the afternoon of June 5, 2025, established that these charges stem from an investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office conducted on the evening June 4, 2025. 

Christiansen and another man were reportedly traveling in unincorporated McHenry County, near Union, when an argument ensued, and Christiansen reportedly struck the man in the head multiple times with a hammer.

Fight Near Union Leads to Arrest of 78-Year Old Homeless Man

At the hearing, evidence was presented regarding Christiansen’s extensive criminal history dating back to 1964.  Amongst numerous other charges, Christiansen was previously sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections for the offense of Attempted Murder. 

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese thanks the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office along with Deputy Chief Brian Miller of the State’s Attorney’s Office for their efforts in securing charges against Christensen.

Freese also thanks Assistant State’s Attorney Garrett Miller for his efforts in presenting the motion resulting in the detention of Christensen. “We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our community safe. We are committed to keeping violent career criminals who continue to victimize members of our community in custody while they await trial,” Freese said.

Christiansen’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 12, 2025.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.