On December 22, 2023, Dexter Perkins, a 37-year-old resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, was fatally shot outside Rosie O'Reilly's pub in unincorporated Wheaton, Illinois. The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. following a dispute that started over a bar tab and pizza involving Perkins and several other men.
The altercation began inside the bar and escalated into a physical scuffle that moved to the outdoor porch.
Michael Freund, a 49-year-old man from Aurora, Illinois, is accused of pulling out a 9mm Glock handgun from his jacket pocket and firing two warning shots into the air. Despite these warning shots, Perkins approached Freund, who then allegedly shot Perkins multiple times in the torso and face.
Perkins died at the scene due to multiple gunshot wounds, as confirmed by DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen. Freund fired his gun a total of 11 times before placing it in the center console of his vehicle, where it was later found by law enforcement. Freund was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Michael Freund has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Perkins' death. He is being held at DuPage County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 18, 2024, for arraignment. A judge has denied Freund's request for pre-trial release.
Dexter Perkins was a member of Local 171 of the SMART-TD union and worked as a conductor for BNSF. He leaves behind two daughters, Brynn and Blair, as well as his mother and other family members. An online fundraiser has been established to support his survivors.
The incident has been described as a "senseless act of violence" by DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin, who expressed condolences to Perkins' family and friends. The case is currently pending, with Freund presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
