Elgin woman found dead, ex-boyfriend charged with murder
Family remembers Charity Geisel as man charged in her killing returns to Illinois
Police found Charity Geisel dead inside her home in Elgin last Sunday. Four days later, the man charged with her killing is back in Illinois and for the first time, her family is sharing more about her.
KANE COUNTY, Ill. - An Elgin man is facing first-degree murder charges after prosecutors say he killed his ex-girlfriend inside her northwest suburban home before fleeing to Indiana.
What we know:
Elgin police responded to 52-year-old Charity Geisel's home in the 300 block of Princeton Avenue around 10:43 a.m. Sunday, where she was found dead.
Prosecutors allege 54-year-old Christian B. Flores, Geisel's former boyfriend, used a knife and a dumbbell to kill her.
Christian B. Flores
Investigators with the Elgin Police Department later located Flores in Indiana, where he was arrested Sunday evening. He has since been extradited to Illinois, according to Geisel's family.
Autopsy findings
The Kane County Coroner's Office performed an autopsy Monday.
Preliminary findings determined Geisel died from blunt and sharp force injuries sustained during an assault.
What we don't know:
It remains unclear why Flores allegedly killed Geisel.
What they're saying:
Geisel's family issued the following statements.
"Charity was a light in every room she walked into. She gave love and kindness so freely, was silly and fun to be around, and would drop everything to help anyone who needed it. Even though she was my stepmom, she loved and treated me as her own daughter from day one. Losing her is an unimaginable nightmare, but the love our community has shown has given my brothers and me the room to grieve. Every prayer, kind word, and share of the GoFundMe has made a tremendous difference, and we are deeply grateful for the continued support."
"She was the sweetest, kindest, woman on earth. I never had to go a day wondering if things would be okay. She would always make it okay. She knew what I needed before I did, every single time. Whether it was getting me way too many things on Amazon, or somehow knowing when I’m hurting and needing someone to talk to, she was my rock through everything. She was truly a one-of-kind person, and the best mother one could hope for. There won’t be a day for the rest of my life where I don’t miss her."
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley also issued a statement.
"I wish to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Charity. I also wish to thank the members of the Elgin Police Department for their professionalism and quick actions that led to the arrest of Mr. Flores. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the members of the Chesterton Police Department in Indiana who assisted us in this investigation."
What's next:
Flores' first court appearance in Kane County is scheduled for Sept. 11.
The Source: The information in this story came from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office and the Elgin Police Department.