Rebecca Finkenhofer, a 16-year-old girl from Machesney Park, IL, tragically lost her life on December 28, 2016. Rebecca, who was a sophomore at Harlem High School, was known for her love of music, dancing, and playing video games with her brothers. She was also a caring big sister who enjoyed doing her sister's hair and makeup.
On the night of her death, Rebecca was at home with her grandmother and 6-year-old sister when an intruder, Michael Mernack, broke into their apartment.
Mernack, a 36-year-old former boyfriend of Rebecca's mother, Megan Cabay, had a history of domestic violence and was under a court order of protection to stay away from Cabay. Rebecca died while trying to protect her younger sister and grandmother from Mernack, who fatally shot her in a walkway near their apartment.
Mernack also shot Rebecca's grandmother, Cheryl Puckett, in the face. Puckett was critically injured and required a ventilator to breathe. Mernack was subsequently shot by Winnebago County Sheriff's Department deputies after pointing a gun at them. He was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was placed under guard by sheriff's deputies.
A warrant was issued for Mernack's arrest on charges of aggravated assault, with a bond set at $200,000. Further charges were pending the conclusion of the investigation and review by the state's attorney. The case went to trial, where Rebecca's mother testified about the domestic violence incident that occurred between her and Mernack a month before the murder.
Rebecca's death marked the first homicide in Machesney Park since 2008. Her family and friends remembered her as a bright and loving individual who brought joy to those around her.
