WHEATON, Ill. – A beloved Illinois man was tragically shot and killed during an altercation over a pizza and bar tab at Rosie O’Reilly’s in Wheaton. The victim, identified as Dexter Perkins, was described by his longtime friend as “the life of the party.”
According to the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Friday when deputies responded to a call of shots fired at the bar. Upon arrival, they discovered Perkins deceased. An investigation revealed a dispute between Perkins, Michael Freund, and two other unidentified men over the pizza and bar tab.
The altercation escalated onto the bar’s front porch, where Perkins and one of the unidentified men allegedly engaged in a scuffle. Freund, 49, fired two “warning shots” into the air with a 9-mm Glock handgun. However, when Perkins approached the other man, Freund fired at him, striking him in the torso and face.
After the shooting, Freund placed the handgun, which had been fired a total of 11 times, in the center console of his truck. Law enforcement later recovered it. Freund was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with first-degree murder.
Perkins, who did not know Freund or the other individuals involved, was described as a cherished friend by those who knew him. In a statement, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin called his death a “senseless act of violence.” Sheriff James Mendrick also expressed his condolences and commended law enforcement for their work in bringing Freund to justice.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Perkins’ honor to support the family he leaves behind, including his two young daughters. The page describes Perkins as the “glue” that held his group of friends together, emphasizing his vibrant personality and the positive impact he had on those around him.
Tragically, Dexter Perkins’ death serves as a grim reminder of how seemingly insignificant disagreements can lead to devastating consequences. “For this senseless act of violence that resulted in the death of an innocent man, Mr. Freund now finds himself facing first-degree murder charges,” Berlin said.