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Walmart arsonist sparks chaos on New Year’s Eve, causing millions in damages

Woodstock, IL A 21-year-old woman is accused of setting multiple baby cribs on fire inside a Walmart on New Year’s Eve. Adilyn Monette has been charged with aggravated arson, according to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

A judge denied her pretrial release after her court appearance on Friday. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

Monette allegedly entered the Walmart on Lake Ave and proceeded to the camping equipment aisle. She reportedly removed a can of camping fuel, placed it in a shopping cart, and returned to the baby section of the store.

Surveillance footage captured Monette retrieving a second can of camping fuel and then pouring it on several cribs before lighting them on fire using matches. She then exited the store.

Responding officers were able to identify Monette through her vehicle registration. Firefighters found the store evacuated upon arrival.

The fire caused an estimated $5 million in damage, affecting merchandise and physical structure. The building’s automatic sprinkler system extinguished the fire.

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese commended Walmart staff and local emergency services for their actions amidst a crowded store. Monette has a pending criminal charge of arson from Colorado and is set to return to court on January 7.

Man charged with stabbing friend on Christmas Eve in hotel room

Addison, IL

A hotel guest is facing serious charges after allegedly stabbing a fellow guest on Christmas Eve. Uberclein Vazquez Villareal, 40, has been charged with armed violence and aggravated battery.

Prosecutors say the incident occurred while the victim was trying to sleep after celebrating with Vazquez Villareal. The victim was left hospitalized with multiple stab wounds.

According to a press release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the attack took place as the victim and another individual were sharing a hotel room. The third person left the room briefly for a phone call, only to return and find the scene covered in blood.

When officers arrived, they found a man hiding behind the hotel front desk reporting a stabbing. Upon entering Room 345, they encountered Vazquez Villareal in the hallway with blood on his hands.

The victim was discovered lying on an inflatable bed with stab wounds to the upper chest and torso. Emergency services transported him to a local hospital.

Investigators revealed that Vazquez Villareal allegedly harassed the victim before the stabbing took place. He reportedly used a 4.5-inch blade during the attack.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated the violence involved is unacceptable. Vazquez Villareal is being held without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2026. The condition of the victim remains unknown.