Video: Ottawa stabbing death called ‘an isolated incident’ by authorities

Their break-up was “fairly recent” and Ottawa police had no record of any dispute or disturbance between Michael Swift and former girlfriend Grace Taylor. Court records show no order of protection sought.

Following Monday’s turn of events, 21-year-old Taylor is dead from knife wounds and Swift, 29, of Mokena, is charged with her murder.

Ottawa Police Capt. Michael Cheatham said at a Wednesday press conference the public should know there are no other people of interest in the investigation launched after Taylor was found dead Monday morning in her Ottawa apartment. The lone suspect is in custody, held in lieu of $3 million bond.

“Although this investigation continues as we speak, it does appear to be an isolated incident,” Cheatham said.

A La Salle County grand jury will be convened Tuesday, May 4, to consider three counts of first-degree murder and perhaps additional charges, said La Salle County State’s Attorney Todd Martin. Swift currently faces 20-60 years in prison if convicted, but Martin said there is “potential” for seeking an elevated sentencing range.

“This is a horrific incident,” he said, “and there’s nothing you can say to make this any better.”

Taylor died from multiple knife wounds, La Salle County Coroner Rich Ploch confirmed Wednesday, and earlier in-court statements revealed investigators have obtained a taped statement from Swift.

In his recorded statement, Swift said he went to Taylor’s apartment in the early morning hours Monday, armed with a knife and intending to kill her, and entered the apartment through an unlocked door. Swift told police he acted in “anger and jealousy.”

Prosecutors had previously disclosed there was a struggle and Taylor sustained defensive wounds. Police who interviewed Swift noted he also had minor injuries to his hands and, when Swift appeared in court Tuesday, there was a bandage over his right thumb.

Swift has no prior criminal history of note, authorities said.

Martin thanked Mokena police for quickly locating Swift and placing him in custody without incident. An unidentified member (or members) of Swift’s family had alerted Ottawa police to the possibility Taylor was injured. She was pronounced dead inside her residence in the 300 block of West McKinley Road.

Martin declined to disclose additional details such as whether investigators recovered the weapon. He said they “have an idea” on the timeline but he declined to discuss the full sequence of events while the investigation is pending.

The case is assigned to Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia, who Tuesday approved the state’s request for bond — Swift needs to post $300,000 cash to be released — and granted Swift’s request for the services of the public defender.

Swift will next appear Thursday, May 6, for arraignment.