3 charged in Lakeview assault of 77-year-old woman appear in court

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Three teenage boys charged with breaking into a Lakeview home and beating a 77-year-old woman appeared in court on Monday.

The victim, Joanne Signa, remains hospitalized in intensive care after she was assaulted in her home early Saturday.

Eli R. Ruff, 18, Lilearl T. Taylor, 19, and Tracie J. Towbridge, 19, all of Chicago, face home invasion, burglary and criminal trespassing charges.

However, the charges did not ease concerns of residents in the Lakeview neighborhood. Some said they are taking extra security measures and others are preparing to assist Signa when she returns home.

Relatives said Signa is improving.

Prosecutors said the two 18 year olds and 19 year old took a train to Wrigleyville area looking to target a house for burglary, then chose the two flat on North Magnolia Avenue.

Around midnight Saturday Towbridge got into the building and let the others in, the prosecutor said in Bond Court. Once inside the first-floor apartment unit, Taylor and Ruff allegedly beat Signa when she confronted them and continued hitting her when she would make any noise.

Apparently, one of the suspects also shined a cellphone flashlight inside the neighbors' apartment upstairs. She called 911.

The suspects were gone when police arrived. Among the items taken was Signa's car.

A short time later, the trio were arrested. Signa's car had crashed on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Prosecutors said other items from the Magnolia apartments were recovered from the car.

One of Taylor's relatives told ABC7 that she hopes the woman is okay. None of the suspects' friends or relatives who were in court would speak on camera.

A judge set bail at $2 million for each suspect. Their next court date is Jan. 15.