A cherished nurse and mother of one reportedly became the victim of a horrific sexual assault and strangulation by her ex-partner at their Illinois residence. This tragic event unfolded over several hours and was allegedly captured on audio, highlighting a troubling history of domestic violence, as detailed by authorities and reports.
Law enforcement officials were dispatched to a Schaumburg home, a suburb of Chicago, after a concerned 911 caller noted that 43-year-old Katherine “Kat” Torbick had not been heard from throughout April 30, according to the Schaumburg Police Department.
Recognizing a prior domestic violence incident involving Torbick and her former long-term partner, Kevin Motykie, officers forcibly entered the residence. Inside, they discovered Torbick’s lifeless body, authorities reported.
Motykie, aged 56, was apprehended in the garage on an existing warrant related to a domestic battery case with Torbick. He now faces additional charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault, police confirmed.
The couple had been in a relationship for a decade and cohabiting but had separated earlier in the year. Torbick had recently started dating someone new, as reported by CBS News.
Police found a digital recording device on Motykie, which reportedly contained over seven hours of audio documenting the horrific ordeal where Torbick was assaulted, restrained, battered, and ultimately strangled, according to WGN9.
Prosecutors revealed the pair were heard arguing in the audio clip, with Torbick allegedly begging Motykie to get off of her and not put handcuffs on her, according to court proceedings obtained by the outlet.
Motykie allegedly continued to berate her about “cheating” and sexually assaulted her as she begged him to stop, officials alleged.
The sexual assault and interrogation continued through the disturbing recording, including moments in which Motykie repeatedly hit Torbick and restricted her with duct tape.
Prosecutors added that the deranged boyfriend told Torbick he would murder her and refused to free her. He continuously choked her throughout the ordeal.
The last four minutes of the seven-hour recording of her torture captured her being strangled for the final time, the outlet reported.
The creep allegedly muttered “I gotta go hang myself,” and “this will take 30 seconds, and think of somewhere happy” as he carried out the slaying, prosecutors said.
Police said Motykie appeared highly intoxicated and was slurring his speech upon his arrest. He later allegedly admitted to taking lorazepam and hydrocodone, the outlet reported.
Torbick worked as a gastroenterology nurse for over two decades at a nearby hospital and as a registered nurse at a medical spa, according to the local outlet.
Fox River MedSpa in Algonquin remembered Torbick as a loving mother who cared deeply about her clients.
“In the short time she was with us, she became a part of our Sisterhood. She brought warmth, energy, and genuine care to our workplace. She loved being part of this team, and we loved having her here. She made an impact that will not be forgotten – with both clients and teammates,” the spa wrote in a social media post.
“Our hearts are with her family, especially her son, during this unimaginable time. We are holding them in our thoughts and sending all the strength and support we can,” the statement added. “She mattered. She was valued. And she will always be part of our story.”
Motykie had a lengthy history of domestic violence allegations and was accused of choking Torbick at their home in mid-March, as well as hitting her and trying to gouge out her eyeballs, the outlet said.
He then allegedly held her at knifepoint and threatened to take his own life. Torbick eventually fled to a neighbor’s house.
Motykie was ordered held without bail and will return to court on May 29.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
