Elgin murder suspect found dead in jail

Matthew Stoecklein, 55, of Elgin was charged with the murder of John Poyer. Stoecklein was found dead Thursday at Cook County Jail. Sheriff's police said he took his own life.

The Elgin man accused of killing his elderly neighbor Nov. 22 was found dead Thursday at the Cook County Jail.

Matthew Stoecklein hanged himself, according to Cara Smith, chief of policy and communications for the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

"We had no indication whatsoever that he was inclined (to do so)," Smith said. "There was nothing about this case that would have suggested it."

The sheriff's office is investigating the death, including interviewing cellmates and other inmates held on the same tier as Stoecklein.

Elgin police arrested Stoecklein Nov. 27.

Stoecklein, 55, was accused of strangling 88-year-old John Poyer in Poyer's apartment. Both lived in a building in the 700 block of Jefferson Street. Police said Stoecklein killed Poyer during a robbery of $300.

Stoecklein twice told a friend about the strangling. The second time, the friend was wearing a police recording wire, according to a police department spokesman.

Stoecklein was being held without bond. He was charged with felony murder, home invasion and robbery, police said.