Batavia, IL – The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office has concluded that the death of 39-year-old Michael J. Seidelman during an August 16, 2025 incident in Batavia was a suicide, not an officer-involved shooting.
According to Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser, Seidelman died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head following a standoff at an apartment on the 1200 block of E. Wilson Street. The review found that no rounds fired by police struck Seidelman, and that the use of force by Batavia and Kane County officers was justified and within the law.
The incident began around 3:45 p.m. when Batavia police responded to a report of a man in crisis. Officers encountered Seidelman inside an apartment with two children. Unable to breach the door, they helped the children escape safely through a balcony. When Seidelman began firing from inside, officers returned fire. Over 70 rounds were exchanged, but none from law enforcement struck the suspect.
A final gunshot was heard around 4 p.m., after which SWAT officers entered the apartment and found Seidelman deceased. The Kane County Major Crimes Task Force conducted an independent investigation, and a critical incident video has been made public on YouTube.
State’s Attorney Mosser praised the officers’ actions as “swift and decisive,” while Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers extended condolences to Seidelman’s family and the community.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, support is available. Call or text 988 for free confidential help.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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