Attacker In Monster Mask Stabbed Caretaker 30 Times: Cops

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, IL — A caretaker at a group home in Plainfield Township was stabbed more than 30 times by a resident wearing a "demonic"-looking mask before escaping to a neighbor's house at around 8 p.m. Saturday, the Will County Sheriff's Office said. Spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer said the 50-year-old caretaker was attacked with a large kitchen knife after she caught resident Ederaldo Frantz, 24, inappropriately texting women.

Police said Frantz has a developmental disability and history of mental illness, and he had been told he was not allowed to text the women.

Hoffmeyer said a verbal argument between Frantz and the caretaker escalated at the group home, located in the 23500 block of Fern Street. The caretaker took Frantz' phone and returned to the living area of the home, police said. A short time later, Frantz came into the living area wearing a monster mask, playing the theme to the horror movie "Halloween" on his iPod and carrying a large kitchen knife.

Hoffmeyer said Frantz stabbed the caretaker several times before she was able to break away and run outside. But Frantz caught up with her, stabbing her so violently that the blade of the knife snapped off and became stuck in her chest, Hoffmeyer said.

Police said the woman was able to get to a neighbor's house, where residents heard her knocking on the door and rushed to render her aid. Hoffmeyer said the neighbors grabbed a towel to try to stop the bleeding and called 911.

Hoffmeyer said deputies responded to the scene and found the injured caretaker holding the broken-off knife handle in her hand. She was taken to a nearby hospital and immediately rushed into surgery.

Meanwhile, Plainfield police had detained Frantz, who was sitting in a front yard still wearing the mask and had blood on his arms and clothing, Hoffmeyer said.

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Frantz was taken to St. Joe's hospital in Joliet for evaluation before being arrested and taken to the Will County jail. He was booked on two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated domestic battery and attempted murder.

He appeared Tuesday morning in Will County court, where his bail was set at $500,000. He remained in custody as of late morning, according to jail records.

Hoffmeyer said the caretaker underwent surgery and was expected to survive, telling Patch, "The knife blade missed her heart by less than an inch."

Will County court records do not list any previous charges for Frantz, but in May 2018, a woman unsuccessfully sought an order of protection against him. A no-contact order was denied for lack of proof on May 18, 2018. The filing lists Frantz' address as a home in the 4700 block of Blue Jay Way.

The Fern Street residence is a residential home for individuals with developmental disabilities and is managed through Help at Home, Hoffmeyer said.

Location of the group home via Google Maps: