Cook County judge faces criticism after fatal stabbing in Portage Park

CHICAGO – A fatal stabbing Chicago’s Northwest Side is reigniting calls for change in the way domestic violence cases are handled. Tragic incident that led to the death of a woman and an off-duty police officer was injured Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 14.23. 5600 block of West Leland AvenueThe police, who witnessed a man stabbing a woman, intervened by shooting at the suspect.

During the incident, the officer suffered a graze wound to his leg and was taken to Lutheran General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He is expected to recover.

Lacramioara Beldie, 54, who was said to be the victim of the stabbing, died at the scene.

Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s Ring camera captured the suspect fleeing the scene in a gold-colored van.

Hours later, Chicago police discovered the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Constantin Beldie, dead inside a vehicle in the 5500 block of West Leland Avenue.

Court records show Beldie has a history of domestic violence charges.

He was arrested on October 7 on charges of kidnapping and domestic battery.

According to the pretrial detention petition, prosecutors said on Oct. 3, Lacramioara was walking down an alley when Constantin approached him.

Constantin allegedly got out of his vehicle and accused Lacramioara of poisoning him. He then hit her repeatedly in the face and body.

When Lacramioara tried to defend himself, Constantin allegedly threw him to the ground with his backpack.

He then dragged her to his car and put her in the backseat. He remained in the vehicle for about 10 seconds before fleeing, prosecutors said.

An eyewitness said he heard Lacramioara scream and the incident was recorded on security camera.

Constantin allegedly fled the scene after the incident.

On October 8, Judge Thomas Nowinski granted the victim an order of protection against Constantin. The order was due to expire on October 29.

On Monday, Constantin appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to the following charges:

• Aggravated domestic battery/strangulation
• Attempted kidnapping by force or threat
• Aggravated battery/strangulation
• Aggravated battery/public place
• unlawful restriction

Constantin was released on electronic monitoring.

The stabbing has renewed criticism of the judicial system’s handling of domestic violence cases. Network: Advocacy Against Domestic Violence, a coalition of more than 40 organizations, called for reform and criticized Judge Nowinski for his handling of this case.

“Judge Nowinski’s failure to protect the community has now resulted in two tragic, preventable murders,” said Amanda Pyron, President and CEO of The Network: Defending Against Domestic Violence. “He has repeatedly demonstrated that he does not have the judgment necessary to keep survivors safe and should at least be reappointed. When survivors go to the courts for protection, that protection must be effective. Judge Nowinski has failed in this duty and is not allowed to continue hearing domestic violence cases in Chicagoland “It sends the wrong message to survivors.”

Advocates argue that these cases highlight systemic failures to protect victims of domestic violence.

The network also called on the Preliminary Hearing division to improve screening procedures to ensure judges have all the necessary information when making decisions on the release of suspects in domestic violence cases.