An Orland Park man accused of fatally shooting his wife in the head tried to conceal the crime by hiding her body in their garage, dousing their home with bleach and telling relatives and police that his wife was on vacation in Las Vegas, prosecutors said Sunday.

Raymond Homolka, 60, of 14000 Sheri Lane, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Mary Lou Homolka, who was found dead Friday afternoon during a well-being check by police. An autopsy Saturday found she died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Cook County Judge Peggy Chiampas ordered Raymond Homolka held without bond Sunday.

Mary Lou Homolka's siblings and other relatives attended Sunday's court hearing, "praying" that their brother-in-law would remain in custody.

The couple was married about 20 years, and it was a second marriage for both, said Mary Lou Homolka's sister Carol Ann Watt.

At first the two were happy and traveled often, but for years the marriage was violent, Watt said. Mary Lou Homolka felt "trapped," she said.

Orland Park police had been called to the couple's home several times in the past for domestic disturbances, Cmdr. Anthony Farrell said. Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Kim Pressling wrote in a motion the couple had "approximately 11 domestic-violence related incidents at their home, including domestic violence with a firearm."

Orland man charged with first-degree murder of his wife Alicia Fabbre

An Orland Park man whom police say shot his wife in the head in the garage of their home was charged Saturday with first-degree murder, Orland Park police said.

Raymond Homolka, 60, of 14000 Sheri Lane, was taken into custody by police after the body of his wife, Mary Homolka, 60, was found Friday...

An Orland Park man whom police say shot his wife in the head in the garage of their home was charged Saturday with first-degree murder, Orland Park police said.

Raymond Homolka, 60, of 14000 Sheri Lane, was taken into custody by police after the body of his wife, Mary Homolka, 60, was found Friday...

(Alicia Fabbre)

Family members said they hoped the case would shed light on the problem of domestic violence.

"We want to do what we can to help people who suffer from domestic violence," Watt said. "We want to equip the victim with knowledge and resources. Mary Lou felt stuck."

Family described Mary Lou Homolka as a fun and generous animal lover, who had up to four dogs at once. She had two sons, one of whom had died, relatives said.

The oldest of three sisters, Mary Lou Homolka worked as the office manager for her brother's business.

Neighbors of the Homolkas said Sunday they did not know the couple very well, but they often heard them arguing.

"It was always the trouble house," said Laura Rees, who lives across the street. "Police would come. You knew things weren't good. But I never suspected this."

Mary Lou Homolka was always gardening, she said. "She would wave, and we chatted about gardening."

John DePasquale, who lived next door, said Raymond Homolka had a little tractor and would often plow the snow on the sidewalks and his driveway in the winter.

Man charged with murder in ex-wife's death was Hawaii-bound when arrested: officials Christy Gutowski and Clifford Ward

A man who was arrested as he was about to take a one-way trip to Hawaii has been charged with murder in the violent death of his ex-wife at her Wheaton home, authorities said.

Bail was set at $2 million for Lee M. Leinweber, 56, at a hearing Tuesday morning in DuPage County court. He is charged...

A man who was arrested as he was about to take a one-way trip to Hawaii has been charged with murder in the violent death of his ex-wife at her Wheaton home, authorities said.

Bail was set at $2 million for Lee M. Leinweber, 56, at a hearing Tuesday morning in DuPage County court. He is charged...

(Christy Gutowski and Clifford Ward)

"I never had a problem with him. We were friendly to each other," DePasquale said. "But they would argue often, yelling loud and vulgar things at each other. I never called the cops. Couples argue all the time. But someone getting shot — that surprised me."

DePasquale said he never heard any gunshots. He was shopping Friday, and when he returned home he saw the police in the Homolkas' driveway.

Court records show Raymond Homolka has been convicted of several crimes dating back to 1991, including charges of aggravated battery, battery, resisting arrest, and possession of an explosive or incendiary device. He was sentenced to 30 days in Cook County jail in 2012 on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault in connection with a fight that occurred at Petey's II restaurant in Orland Park.

His most recent arrest was for driving under the influence in December in Orland Park. That case is still pending.

Raymond Homolka is due back in court Wednesday in Bridgeview.

Daily Southtown freelance reporter Alicia Fabbre contributed.

Elyssa Cherney is a Tribune reporter and Susan Lafferty is a Daily Southtown reporter.

echerney@chicagotribune.com

slafferty@southtown

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