Crime & Safety
Accused Arsonist Agrees to Closed-Door Session
Attorneys for accused arsonist Kyle Kowal and representatives of Lake County's State's Attorney's Office discussed possible negotiations in a closed-door session at Kowal's pre-trial hearing.
Judge Daniel B. Shanes met with representatives of the Lake County State Attorney’s Office and accused arsonist Kyle Kowal’s defense lawyer in a closed-door session during a pre-trial hearing Friday.
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The session, known as a 402 conference, allows attorneys involved in the case to present information regarding the defendant’s crimes and information relative to his mental state at the time of the alleged crimes. The session lasted almost an hour.
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Before the conference, Shanes explained the importance and meaning of it to Kowal, because Kowal had to agree to the conference but he was not allow to be present in the session.
“We will discuss things not said in public,” Shanes told Kowal.
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During the conference, possible negotiations for a plea were discussed. The defense lawyers presented information that may have led to Kowal’s alleged actions, and Patricia Fix, chief of the Felony Trial Division of the Lake County State Attorney’s Office, said she presented information about the severity of the crimes and the disposition of the victims.
Fix said her office is working hard to balance the victims’ wants with the defendant’s needs.
“There are people who want him thrown in jail, and others who believe (Kowal) had some problems before the incidents and are more willing to forgive” Fix said.
Kowal’s next pre-trial date is Oct. 14, and his trial is set for Oct. 31.
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