Chicago Woman Charged with Murder of Mute Cancer Patient Found Dead in His Apartment: “He Couldn’t Defend Himself”

A Chicago woman is facing serious charges after a man battling cancer and unable to speak was found murdered in his apartment.

On April 18th, the Chicago Police Department confirmed to People and other outlets that 34-year-old Catherine Perry was charged with first-degree murder and attempted arson in connection with the October 14th, 2024, stabbing of 61-year-old Tony Landers. She was arrested on April 15th by the Area One Homicide Investigation Support Team.

Tony’s sister, Kim Landers, who was also his caretaker, made the horrific discovery at his South Shore home. “So, I open the back door and when I looked down, I see a footprint. Red,” Kim told WLS-TV. “I look again, and I see another red footprint. And then, I seen my brother laying there. I seen blood all over the door.”

“I started calling his name and calling his name. I said, ‘Somebody killed him! Somebody killed him!’ It was blood everywhere!” she said through tears.

Police have not released further details about the killing, but Tony’s family believes he was also beaten. His sister Melissa Winston said, “To kill an innocent person, a disabled person. He couldn’t defend himself. He was weak. He was sickly.” Tony had become mute after his larynx was removed during lung cancer treatment in 2022.

“I feel bad that my brother had to die like this. He didn’t deserve it,” Melissa added.

At the time, the family believed Tony knew his killer. Police later confirmed arson charges involved a “known person.” Perry remains in custody but no motive has been revealed.