[tohotscott]

I have broken up with my girlfriend of a year and half. We lived together in "MY" house for a little over a year. Four months ago my she kicked a full gallon of bleach like a soccer ball in my living room. The bottle literally exploded like a bomb. Bleach covered me, her, and everything in my living room. For the most part I was able to clean it all off the walls, TV, ceiling, hard furniture... etc. However the bleach covered my carpet and couch... these ended up being permanently stained. To replace the couch and carpet would easily cost $4000.00. I did not file a police report or press charges at the time because I decided to still stay with her after this happened. (not one of my better choices) The story as to how this happened is this: When I do a load of "whites" in the laundry, I do not put the bleach in the washing machine dispenser because in the past some has stayed in the dispenser and then ruined my next load of laundry. So I always wait for the water to rise in the washing machine and then add the bleach. To make sure I remember to do this I always place the bleach bottle on the floor of whatever room I am in after I start the washing machine. This way I see the bottle on the floor and remember to go back and add it after the water level rises. One night my ex-girlfriend was mad at me because I walked away from her in an argument. She then came into the room and said "I'm F...... sick of you walking away in an argument" and she literally kicked the gallon of bleach like a soccer ball. The bottle ruptured and exploded. She kicked it so hard it was on EVERYTHING in the room including the ceiling and even on things in the dining room behind her. She even swallowed some and was throwing up. Now that we have broken up I want my couch and carpet replaced. My question is: "Is this felony vandalism in Illinois?" There is probably $4000.00 in damage to replace the couch and carpet. The second question is: "Since this was 4 months ago can charges still be pressed or has too much time passed?" What should I do?

[Fr_Chuck]

No, there was no "intent" to cause the damage, it was truly more an accident.
She may be sued for damages, but really not criminal since she did not do it, cause the damage,

Had she picked up the bottle and poured it on things, that would be different.

For this crime you have to prove she planned and intended to do thd damage.

Also if she merely says "I did not do it" you will have to prove she did it. By not filing a report, it will be your word against hers.

At best you have misdemeanor domestic violence