From the State’s Attorney:
65-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE IMPOSED FOR SAVAGE, UNPROVOKED ATTEMPTED MURDER AT PETERSEN PARK
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that on September 2, 2026, Raymond Link, 49, of West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 65 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by the Honorable Judge Tiffany E. Davis following his conviction for Attempted First-Degree Murder and six counts of Aggravated Battery.
This sentence was the maximum allowable under Illinois law on the offenses for which he was convicted.
Evidence presented at trial established that on May 25, 2024, a woman was walking her dog in Petersen Park in McHenry when she became the victim of a savage and unprovoked attack.
Link violently assaulted the victim with his bare hands, beating, stomping, and strangling her in a sustained attack that nearly claimed her life.
The attack was interrupted only by the courageous actions of a bystander who observed the assault and immediately intervened while calling 911.
When confronted, Link falsely claimed he was performing CPR on the victim.
As the bystander continued to approach, he witnessed Link kick the victim in the head.
Link then turned his violence toward the bystander, striking him and ordering his dog, named “Dhamer,” to attack.
The bystander suffered a broken clavicle and multiple dog bite injuries while attempting to protect the victim.
The victim suffered catastrophic and life-altering injuries, including the loss of an eye, multiple broken bones, and permanent brain damage.
Link was found guilty but mentally ill following a bench trial on June 24, 2026.
At trial, Link asserted the affirmative defense of insanity.
After considering the testimony, evidence, and arguments presented, Judge Davis rejected that defense and found Link criminally responsible for the brutal attack.
“This was an extraordinarily vicious and senseless attack that forever altered the lives of two innocent people,” State’s Attorney Randi Freese said.
“The victim suffered catastrophic injuries that she will carry for the rest of her life, while a courageous stranger put his own safety at risk to intervene and help save her.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for the unimaginable violence he inflicted and ensures that he will spend decades in prison for his actions.”
State’s Attorney Freese continued, “This case also presented extraordinarily complex issues involving mental illness and criminal responsibility. Chief of Staff Ashley Romito handled those difficult issues with exceptional skill and professionalism throughout the trial and sentencing.
“Her preparation, experience, and commitment to these victims were instrumental in achieving this result.”
State’s Attorney Freese commends the McHenry Police Department for the efforts of its responding officers and its thorough investigation and commitment to seeking justice.
She also extends her appreciation to McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Kelly Gallagher for her unwavering support and advocacy on behalf of the victims throughout these proceedings.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Chief of Staff Ashley Romito.
