Hector M. Toro, 43, of Munster, has been charged with attempted murder after police said he shot his wife in the face as she attempted to leave their home with the couple’s 7-year-old son during a domestic dispute.
According to court documents, Munster police responded around 9:47 p.m. on July 11 to the 9300 block of Chestnut Lane after a 911 caller reported that her husband had shot her in the face.
Officers arrived to find the woman outside suffering from a gunshot wound to her chin and lower jaw. She told police she was attempting to back her SUV out of the driveway with their 7-year-old son inside when Toro allegedly began striking the driver’s window with a handgun. During the encounter, the firearm discharged, shattering the window and striking her in the face.
When an officer asked whether the gun discharged accidentally, the woman responded, “No, he was trying to hurt me,” according to court documents.
Police said the couple’s son ran to a neighbor’s home after the shooting while Toro went back inside the residence.
Investigators reported finding the driver’s window completely shattered, blood on and around the vehicle, a spent shell casing near the SUV, and a trail of blood leading away from the driveway. A neighbor told police he heard a woman yelling, “Help me! Help me!” before hearing her say, “My husband shot me in the face!”
Because Toro remained inside the residence following the shooting, the NWR SWAT Team was called to the scene. Police said Toro later exited the residence and surrendered without incident. During a protective sweep, officers observed a handgun in plain view near the entryway. A subsequent search warrant led to the recovery of a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun. According to court documents, the firearm’s slide was locked back and investigators observed a visible malfunction in the chamber. Investigators also recovered a bullet fragment from inside the victim’s SUV.
According to court documents, investigators also recovered Ring doorbell video that allegedly captured the moments leading up to the shooting. The video reportedly recorded the victim saying, “Hey, you have a gun, dude,” before she exited the residence. Detectives reported hearing what they recognized as the sound of a handgun slide being racked, followed by Toro allegedly stating, “I’m gonna shoot…” as he walked toward the driveway carrying the handgun. The footage also allegedly shows the couple’s son running away from Toro toward his mother.
The victim was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a Chicago hospital for further treatment. Police said she later underwent surgery after doctors removed a bullet fragment from her face.
According to court documents, the woman told investigators she and Toro were in the process of divorcing and that he had been drinking throughout the day before accusing her of cheating. She said she decided to leave the home with their son because of his behavior, but Toro retrieved a handgun from a safe and followed them outside.
During an interview with detectives, Toro reportedly admitted retrieving the handgun after the argument. When detectives asked what type of vehicle his wife drove, Toro allegedly responded, “Uh, the car that I shot?” The interview ended after Toro requested an attorney when asked whether he had threatened or pointed the firearm at his wife.
Charges Filed July 13, 2026:
Attempted Murder — Level 1 Felony
Aggravated Battery — Level 3 Felony
Domestic Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
Intimidation While Using a Deadly Weapon — Level 5 Felony
Domestic Battery Committed in the Presence of a Child Under 16 — Level 6 Felony
