Crime & Safety
Judge Refuses Bond Hike For Man Who Reportedly Referenced Newtown School Massacre
A Cook County judge denied prosecutors' motion to raise the bond for 31-year-old Matthew Lynch, charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after he allegedly made threats and referenced the Newtown, CN, school shooting during a DUI arrest.
A Cook County judge refused to raise the bond for a man who just days after the massacre.
Judge Patrick T. Rogers did impose special conditions of 31-year-old Matthew Lynch's I-bond — which didn't require Lynch to post anything to get out of jail — during a hearing on Tuesday.
Rogers said Lynch must surrender any firearms, his FOID card and his passport. Lynch must also stay with his sister for the duration of the case and there may not be any firearms allowed in her home either, Rogers ruled. Rogers also ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Lynch, who is already currently seeing a mental health professional, according to comments made in court Tuesday.
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Lynch was arrested in the early morning hours of Dec. 18 in Palos Hills. He is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
Lynch told officers he was going to harm children at a school and would return to the police station to shoot people while in custody, Palos Hills police said. He also made references to hurting himself and to the tragedy at a Newtown, CT, elementary school where 27 people died, including 20 children, six adults and the gunman.
Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Police recovered a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun and ammunition from underneath a mattress in Lynch's home, Assistant State's Attorney John Kopp said this week. No other guns were found.
Lynch was committed to a psychiatric ward for a week after his release from jail, the prosecutor said
When asked by the judge, Lynch said he doesn't have any other guns and is continuing psychiatric treatment. He doesn't have a job and hasn't worked since last May. He also told the judge that he receives unemployment benefits.
A defense attorney filed his appearance on Lynch's behalf but refused to give Patch his name.
Lynch himself said at some point he intends to speak to the media, but was unable to give further comments before his lawyer stopped him.
The next hearing date for the case has been set for Jan. 29 for status and the results of a psychiatric exam.
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