CHICAGO, Illinois – A pregnant woman’s life was tragically cut short when her body was discovered dumped on the side of a road in a suburb outside of Chicago. Authorities now believe they have apprehended the suspect responsible for her death.
The victim, Megan Lewis, 39, was found deceased inside a black plastic bag on November 29. Her body was located along Hunt Club Road in the village of Old Mill Creek, just south of Illinois Route 173, only a few miles from the Wisconsin border.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy revealed that Lewis, who was four months pregnant, had been strangled.
Law enforcement officials from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested Juan Vega-Montoya, 37, on Monday near his Chicago residence. Initially charged with concealing a homicidal death in Lake County, Vega-Montoya appeared in court the same day he was apprehended. Prosecutors from Lake County are expected to transfer the case to the Chicago Police Department as they believe the murder occurred in the city. Cook County prosecutors will likely seek murder charges against Vega-Montoya.
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg expressed his dismay at the crime, stating, “It is simply unconscionable to kill someone then dump their body on the side of a roadway, in a humiliating fashion. I am very proud of the members of our Office who spent countless hours seeking evidence and searching for Megan’s killer. I am grateful for all of the agencies who assisted and worked to hold Megan’s killer accountable.”
Friends and family mourned the loss of Megan Lewis on social media, honoring her memory and offering condolences. She leaves behind a son.
Detectives allege that Vega-Montoya picked up Lewis in Chicago on November 26 and an argument ensued during the car ride. They believe he strangled Lewis to death before leaving her body in his vehicle for two days and ultimately disposing of it on the night of November 28.
Additional evidence related to the murder was reportedly found inside Vega-Montoya’s vehicle. Further details regarding the investigation are still being sought.