From the State’s Attorney:
HARVARD MAN ACCUSED OF STRANGLING WOMAN TO POINT OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS ORDERED HELD IN CUSTODY
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese announced today that the Honorable Judge Mary Nader has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for Jose Antonio Escobar-Albarran, 26, of Harvard, Illinois.
Escobar-Albarran appeared in Initial Appearance Court on April 13, 2026, where he was formally charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.
During today’s hearing, prosecutors presented evidence detailing a violent incident that occurred on the evening of April 10, 2026.
According to the evidence, Escobar-Albarran became involved in an argument with a female family member that escalated into a physical assault.
He allegedly placed his hands around the victim’s neck and applied pressure, restricting her ability to breathe and causing her to lose consciousness.
When the victim regained consciousness, Escobar-Albarran had fled the scene, and her phone was missing.
State’s Attorney Freese emphasized the seriousness with which her office approaches crimes of domestic violence, particularly those involving acts of strangulation.
“This was a deeply disturbing and dangerous attack,” Freese said.
“We are committed to holding offenders accountable and protecting victims.
“I am relieved that the Court recognized the severity of these allegations and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending further proceedings.”
Escobar-Albarran is scheduled to appear in court again on May 7, 2026.
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.
