Burglar shows no sympathy
Bad luck: Surviving member of Bockhol family a victim of apartment break-in
March 8, 2001
Bockhol's mother, Karen Bockhol, 49, and his brother and sister, Thomas Bockhol, 23, and Tracy Bockhol, 26, died in the Des Plaines River Sunday morning, Feb. 25, when their minivan plunged into the water off Lime Street.
Karen's, Thomas's and Tracy's bodies were found in the van March 1 after an extensive four-day search.
The three apparently died at the end of the newspaper route the family has worked near their Stone Street apartment for the last 23 years.
Police determined the 1989 Dodge Caravan the family drove on their route had faulty brakes and believe the deaths were accidental.
Wayne Bockhol, disabled in a work-related accident several years ago, was left alone after the deaths of his mother, brother and sister. A relative has said extended family and friends had opened their doors to the 29-year-old.
Wayne Bockhol has been staying at a friend's house and was there at the time of the break-in, said a relative who asked not to be identified.
The relative also believes the culprit must have known the Bockhol family and was aware the apartment would be empty.
The prowler likely struck about 1 a.m. Wednesday. An upstairs neighbor heard a "loud bang" around that time and also heard someone walking around the downstairs apartment, police said.
Nothing was taken from the apartment, the relative said, but it appeared someone moved a big-screen television.
A friend of the family, Leonard Wrona, found the door to the apartment hanging open about 10:45 a.m. and alerted police.
"He has to replace the whole door," Wayne's relative said.
Two brass locks and the door jamb also were damaged in the break-in, police said.
Detectives were still investigating the burglary Wednesday night.
Wayne Bockhol's relative thought little of the culprit, particularly in light of the hard times his victim is going through.
Police Chief David Gerdes commented on the burglary, "That's about as low as you can go."