CROWN POINT | A 28-year-old Chicago man faces murder and feticide charges in the death of a Highland woman last year.
Isiah Barker was arrested and is being sought after an investigation by multiple police agencies in Northwest Indiana and Illinois, court records state. Barker's girlfriend was about four months pregnant when she was found dead June 21, 2011.
Court records state a homeowner rehabbing a residence in the 10000 block of South Normal Avenue in Chicago found the body of Cynthia Funches, of Highland, in a closed storage bin in the property's garage.
An autopsy conducted by the Cook County medical examiner's office found Funches died from multiple blunt force trauma due to an assault. The examination also revealed Funches was about 20 weeks pregnant with a male fetus.
Witnesses told investigators Barker and Funches were together at a residence in the 4900 block of South Justine Street in Chicago during the early morning hours of June 21, 2011. The couple were reported leaving together about 4 a.m.
When Funches called co-workers to call off work about 6:20 a.m., Funches sounded anxious and a man could be heard in the background ordering her off the phone because she had to go to the hospital, according to court records.
When family members on June 22 contacted an agent at the Hampton-in-Highland apartment complex to check on Funches, the agent found the apartment in disarray, the carpet pulled up and apparent blood spots on the concrete floor, court records state.
Barker is believed to be one of two men observed carrying a large tote container from Funches' apartment to a green van associated with Barker, court records state.
Court records state video suveillance tapes at area stores linked both men to items believed to be connected to the disposal of Funches' body, according to court records.
A Chicago Police Department report states Funches reported Barker struck her about the face and body with his hands and a metal pole about two weeks before Funches is believed to have been killed, according to court records.
THIS STORY HAS BEEN CORRECTED FROM AN EARLIER VERSION.
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