Michael Freund Charged with Murder After Shooting Dexter Perkins at Rosie O’Reilly’s Bar
A heated argument over a pizza and a bar tab turned deadly last week when an Aurora man allegedly shot and killed a Glen Ellyn man at a Wheaton bar. The suspect, Michael Freund, 49, faces one count of first-degree murder and is being held without bond. The victim, Dexter Perkins, was a regular customer at the bar and a beloved member of his community. Here is what we know about this shocking and senseless crime that has shaken the residents of DuPage County.
What happened at the bar?
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on Friday, December 22, 2023, around 8:45 a.m. at Rosie O’Reilly’s Bar, located at 0N131 Gary Ave. in unincorporated Wheaton. Freund and two other men, who were first-time customers at the bar, got into a dispute with Perkins over a leftover pizza and a bar tab. The owners of the bar, John and Theresa Dwyer, said that the argument started when Michael and his companions tried to take Perkins’ pizza, which he had ordered earlier and left on the counter. Perkins confronted them and asked them to pay for his pizza and his drinks, which amounted to $18. Freund refused to pay and claimed that he had already paid for his own tab, which was $12.
The argument then escalated and moved to the outdoor porch of the bar, where a brief scuffle ensued between Perkins, Freund, and the two other men. Freund then pulled out a 9 mm Glock handgun from his jacket pocket and fired two warning shots into the air, prosecutors said. After the warning shots, Perkins approached one of the other men, who was holding a beer bottle. Freund, who was standing on the other side of a wooden railing, then fired at Perkins, striking him in the torso and in the face. Perkins fell to the ground and was pronounced dead at the scene. Michael then placed the Glock, which had been fired a total of 11 times, in the center console of his truck, where it was later found by law enforcement.
The shooting was captured on video by another bar patron, who shared the footage with NBC Chicago. The video showed Freund pulling out his gun and firing two shots into the air, followed by screams and chaos. The video ended before the fatal shot was fired.
Who are the suspect and the victim?
Michael Freund is a resident of Aurora, Illinois, and works as a truck driver. He has a criminal history that includes charges of domestic battery, aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. He also has a pending case of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, which stems from a 2021 incident where he allegedly pointed a gun at a woman during a road rage incident. He was out on bond for that case when he allegedly killed Perkins.
Dexter Perkins was a resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and worked as a landscaper. He was a regular customer at Rosie O’Reilly’s Bar, where he was known as a friendly and generous person. He often bought drinks for other patrons and helped out the staff with chores. He was also a devoted father to his 10-year-old daughter, who lives with her mother in another state. He had planned to visit her for Christmas, but his trip was cut short by his tragic death.
How did the community react?
The shooting has sparked outrage and grief among the community, especially among the patrons and staff of Rosie O’Reilly’s Bar, who considered Perkins as part of their family. The owners of the bar, John and Theresa Dwyer, said that they were devastated by the loss of Perkins, who had been coming to their bar for over a decade. They described him as a kind, funny, and caring person, who always had a smile on his face. They also said that they were shocked by the senseless violence that erupted over something as trivial as a pizza and a bar tab.
The bar has set up a memorial for Perkins, where customers and friends can leave flowers, candles, cards, and messages. The bar has also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Perkins’ funeral expenses and to support his daughter. The campaign has already surpassed its goal of $10,000, with over $15,000 raised as of Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Many donors have expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Perkins, calling him a “great guy”, a “wonderful friend”, and a “loving father”.
The DuPage County State’s Attorney, Bob Berlin, and the DuPage County Sheriff, James Mendrick, have also issued statements condemning the shooting and vowing to seek justice for Perkins. Berlin said that Michael Freund’s actions were “unconscionable” and that he would face the full force of the law. Mendrick said that his office was working closely with the state’s attorney to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the case. He also urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious or illegal activity involving firearms.
What are the next steps?
Michael Freund appeared in court on Saturday, December 23, 2023, where he was formally charged with one count of first-degree murder. He was denied pre-trial release by Judge Brian Telander, who said that Freund posed a danger to the community and a flight risk. Michael is being held at the DuPage County Jail, where he awaits his next court date on January 22, 2024. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 45 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Perkins’ family and friends are preparing to say their final goodbyes to him, as they cope with the loss of their loved one. His funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn. His obituary describes him as a “beautiful soul” who “touched the lives of many people with his generosity, humor, and compassion”. It also asks for donations to be made to his daughter’s college fund, instead of flowers.
