Man found guilty of attempted murder but mentally ill for attacking woman at McHenry park

MCHENRY, Ill. (WLS) -- A judge has found a man guilty, but mentally ill, in a violent attack at a park in the north suburbs in 2024.

Wisconsin man Raymond Link was convicted of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery after a judge rejected his insanity defense.

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Prosecutors say Link beat and nearly strangled a woman to death on May 5, 2024 at Petersen Park in McHenry, Illinois before a bystander intervened.

Investigators said 47-year-old Raymond Link approached a woman who was walking her dog on a leash at about 3:26 p.m. and attacked her, punching and kicking her in the head and neck.

Prosecutors said when she was on the ground, Link allegedly tried to strangle her. He also called on his dog, who was not on a leash, to attack her.

Another man in the area then tried to intervene and help the woman. She was flown by helicopter to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Police said the suspect also punched the good Samaritan a number of times. His dog also allegedly bit him. That good Samaritan suffered minor injuries.

The woman was flown by helicopter to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. She lost an eye, suffered permanent brain damage and several broken bones.

Police arrested Link on the scene, charging him with attempted murder and several counts of aggravated battery. Police said officers later found the suspect's dog nearby and took him to animal control.

Link is scheduled to be sentenced in September.