JOLIET, ILLINOIS – A tragic murder-suicide on a public street in Joliet has left a community in shock as details emerge about the troubled past between the couple involved. Melissa Aud-Headlee, a 35-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed multiple times in the chest on Saturday morning in the 3400 block of Pandola Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing her husband, Michael Aud-Headlee, 32, later stab himself multiple times in the chest before succumbing to his injuries.
Court records reveal a history of domestic abuse allegations made by Melissa against her husband, including two protective orders she petitioned in Will County. Despite obtaining emergency orders, both cases were eventually dismissed – one at Melissa’s request and the other when the couple failed to appear in court.
The protective orders detailed instances of physical abuse by Michael, including incidents where Melissa feared for her safety and that of her children. Melissa also faced legal troubles herself, having been charged with domestic battery after allegedly biting her husband’s finger in July. The charge was later dismissed due to lack of a complaining witness.
Reports indicate that the couple was in the process of getting a divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce proceedings took a tragic turn on the day of the incident when a disturbance at their residence led to Melissa fleeing the house, only to be caught and fatally stabbed by her husband.
Tragically, Melissa and Michael Aud-Headlee were pronounced dead at Ascension Saint Joseph–Joliet Hospital shortly after the incident. Their 3-year-old son, who was in the home at the time, thankfully was unharmed. Police recovered the knife used in the attack and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder-suicide.
The heartbreaking case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in abusive situations. The community mourns the loss of Melissa Aud-Headlee and Michael Aud-Headlee while grappling with the complexities of their troubled relationship.