Two very different stories were presented in William Zientek's first Cook County court appearance.
Prosecutors presented evidence collected by Barrington police suggesting that Dr. Duchon was struck in the head with a baseball bat twice and was then shot in the stomach before she died.
According to prosecutors, Zientek invited Duchon to his home for a meeting about their daughter, but then killed her with a gun he had previously reported stolen.
The attorney representing the man facing the murder charge said it's Zientek's assertion that this all unfolded in self-defense, and that Dr. Duchon pointed the weapon at him.
Attorneys said there was a struggle over the weapon that resulted in the gun discharging, and fatally injuring Duchon.
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"What he had ended up indicating to the police is that the weapon was in her hand, covered by a blanket. He jumped over the couch. There was a baseball bat underneath the couch. Because my client can't have weapons, and he ended up swinging, and that's when he hit her while she had the gun in her hand," Zientek's attorney Thomas Glasgow said.
Zientek claims he moved their daughter into another room, came back, and a struggle for the gun ensued. He said that's when a single gunshot went off, hitting Dr. Duchon.
Prosecutors say Dr. Duchon had one tote bag when she arrived at Zientek's home, and that it only had baked goods and leftovers. Family says she never owned, possessed or carried a firearm.
Zientek and Dr. Duchon had a prior dating relationship, and shared a nearly 4-year-old daughter together.
Prosecutors say their relationship ended in 2021 because of her objections to Zientek buying and storing firearms in their home.
Dr. Duchon was granted an order of protection in 2021, requiring Zientek to turn over his firearms.
Zientek, through his attorney, also made claims that their daughter had been molested by someone in Dr. Duchon's family.
Friends of Dr. Duchon, who were in the courtroom, were visibly shocked and disgusted by this accusation.
Zientek's attorney said the meeting Sunday was to tell Dr. Duchon that he was filing a petition to take custody of their daughter.
Glasgow told ABC7 Chicago that the suspect was merely defending his life and his daughter's.
Zientek remains in custody despite a petition that he be released. The judge ruled that he does present a threat to the community.
Zientek will next appear in court Dec. 13.
If you need help or know someone in need of help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential support 24/7/365. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text the word "START" to 88788.