A Chicago man is facing charges after police say he kept a pregnant woman in his vehicle for days before discarding her remains on the side of an unincorporated Lake County road.
According to CBS News, police charged 37-year-old Juan Vega-Montoya with concealment of a homicidal death, in connection with the death of Megan Lewis, 39. Lewis’s remains were found inside a black plastic bag on November 29, according to Lake County Sheriff’s detectives.
The bag had been left along Hunt Club Road in Old Mill Creek, south of Illinois Route 173, in Wadsworth.
According to an autopsy conducted by the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Lewis was four months pregnant at the time of her death.
Police alleged that Vega-Montoya strangled Lewis after picking her up on November 26 in Chicago. The pair had reportedly been in an argument when the incident happened. The defendant then allegedly returned home with Lewis’ body in the trunk of his car.
“Sheriff’s detectives believe Vega-Montoya began arguing with Lewis in the vehicle,” the sheriff’s office said. “During the argument, Vega-Montoya strangled Lewis to death.”
Investigators said he left the body in the trunk for several days before leaving it on the side of the road.
“It is simply unconscionable to kill someone then dump their body on the side of a roadway, in a humiliating fashion,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in a statement.
“I am very proud of the members of our Office who spent countless hours seeking evidence and searching for Megan’s killer. I am grateful for all of the agencies who assisted and worked to hold Megan’s killer accountable.”
Police arrested Vega-Montoya after collecting physical evidence and reviewing security camera footage. They detained him during a traffic stop.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Megan Lewis/Handout]
