Zip-Tie Horror in Illinois: Woman Tragically Killed by Carjacker, Who Wrote a Note Claiming It Was His 'only choice,' Authorities Reveal

 

In Illinois, a 24-year-old man named Reese Miller is accused of committing a shocking crime. He allegedly stole a blue Toyota Scion that belonged to Ma L. Operio, a 61-year-old woman and zip-tied her in order to get away. 

Tragically, Operio was found with a zip-tie around her throat that obstructed her breathing, and she succumbed to her injuries four days later.

Miller was apprehended on August 30, just three hours after the discovery of Operio's dire condition. 

Inside the stolen vehicle, law enforcement uncovered a knife and an apology note. In this note, Miller expressed deep remorse for the harm he had caused, stating that he was "deeply sorry for hurting anyone." 

He claimed that, at the moment, it seemed like the only choice, and he never intended to harm people. He admitted to the crime and faced charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking.

The incident began with officers discovering Operio outside her Harwood Heights residence at around 6:30 a.m., with the zip-tie strangling her. They swiftly removed the restraint, performed CPR, and rushed her to the hospital, where she was placed on life support. 

Tragically, her family had to make the heart-wrenching decision to remove her from life support, and she passed away on September 3.

A neighbor recounted witnessing a disturbing scene as they prepared to leave for work. They saw a man on top of Operio, seemingly choking her, before he secured the zip-tie and drove away in the stolen car.

Police later located Miller in Crete, Illinois, inside the stolen vehicle. 

Doorbell camera footage obtained during the investigation further implicated him, as it showed a man resembling him wearing clothing consistent with what he had on when arrested. 

Miller confessed to being the person in the video and admitted that the knife found in the car was his. He explained that he moved Operio's body away from the car to prevent running her over.

Miller was read his Miranda Rights and provided a statement confessing to the crimes. He is currently incarcerated in Cook County Jail, with a court date scheduled for September 22. His public defender mentioned that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

In another news, a security guard shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, her present boyfriend and their 3-year-old child. See detailed story here

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