Illinois carjacker kills woman by zip-tying her throat, leaves note saying it was his ‘only choice’: police

Man Steals Car, Leaves Apology Note After Fatal Incident

A shocking incident unfolded in Illinois when Reese Miller, a 24-year-old man, allegedly left an apology note in a stolen vehicle after a woman’s tragic death. The woman, Ma L. Operio, 61, was found with a zip-tie around her neck, leading to her untimely demise.

The Unfortunate Events

On August 30, Reese Miller was apprehended while driving a blue Toyota Scion that belonged to Ma L. Operio, just three hours after she was discovered with the life-threatening zip-tie around her neck, according to the Harwood Heights Police Department. Sadly, Operio succumbed to her injuries four days later.

The Apology Note and Confession

Inside the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a knife along with an apology note penned by Miller, expressing deep regret for the harm caused, as he believed it was his only option at the time. Miller admitted to the crime and now faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking.

A Life-Changing Moment

Operio was found outside her Harwood Heights residence around 6:30 a.m. with the zip-tie around her neck. Quick action by officers, who removed the zip-tie, performed CPR, and rushed her to the hospital, followed. Despite their efforts, her family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support on September 3.

A Witness’s Account

A neighbor who was getting ready for work reported seeing a man on top of Operio, seemingly choking her before securing the zip-tie and driving off with the car.

The Arrest and Evidence

Police tracked down Miller inside the stolen car in Crete, Illinois. Surveillance footage from a doorbell camera supported the case, showing a man resembling Miller, dressed in the same attire as during his arrest. Miller confirmed his identity in the video and owned up to the knife found in the car. He explained that he had moved Operio’s body away from the car to avoid running her over.

Legal Proceedings

Miller was informed of his Miranda Rights and provided a statement confessing to the crimes. He is currently held with bail in the Cook County Jail, awaiting a court date scheduled for September 22. His public defender has noted that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

This tragic incident has left a community in shock and mourning as they grapple with the events that unfolded on that fateful day.