2012: Naperville Patch's Most-Read Stories of the Year

Taking a look back at the year that was in Naperville, it's evident the city saw a number of tragic events.

As each new detail was reported during the Wild and Plackowska incidents, we held our family members and children a little closer. But when a tragedy hit the city, Naperville residents, neighbors and officials came together. Whether it was a candle light vigil or a memorial, we were there for each other.

While a number of disheartening stories made our "most-read" cut, there were plenty of feel-good moments throughout the year worth celebrating. 

Here’s a look back at five of our most-read stories of 2012.

1. Man Charged with Murder After Attack at Naperville Bar

Shaun Wild, a teacher at Spring Brook Elementary School, died of injuries sustained during a stabbing in February. A former Lemont High School student who now attends North Central College was also seriously injured in the incident.

2. 4 Women Arrested in Connection with Naperville Prostitution Sting

The Naperville Police Department arrested four women in "Operation Cross County VI," a nationwide crackdown on prostitution and trafficking organized by the FBI in June.

3. Police Find 2 Children Stabbed to Death in Naperville Home

Two children were found stabbed to death during a wellbeing check at a townhouse on the 800 block of Quin Court in Naperville.

4. Naperville High School Student Charged with Dealing Heroin

Naperville police said they arrested Brittany K. Hursh, 17, after finding packets and drug paraphernalia that tested positive for heroin. Police made other heroin-related arrests in early February as well.

5. Metea Valley Sophomore Killed After Car Crashes into Aurora Home

Devin Meadows, 15, was pronounced dead at the scene of a car accident in October after a 2012 Chevy Malibu he was in lost control and crashed into a garage.

6. Court Denies Bond for Naperville Mom Accused of Stabbing Children to Death

Authorities shared numerous disturbing details about the murders, including that Plackowska forced the children to get on their knees and pray before she stabbed them up to 100 times.

7. Police: South Side of Naperville "Ground Zero" for City's Heroin Problem

Hundreds of people attended a program in February at the 95th Street Library, which offered statistics, information on heroin and graphic images of drug deaths.

8. Police End Search for Missing Autistic Man

Police said Charles Richard Catlett, 21, was located on Jan. 30 and reunited with his family after being reported missing.

9. Bond Set at $3M for Man Charged In Naperville Fatal Bar Stabbing

In determining bond, the judge said Daniel J. Olaska of Naperville was a danger to the community due to the severity of the crime.

10. Naperville Police Bust Six in Prostitution Sting

Naperville Police regularly scour the Internet searching for suspected prostitution activity, which led to charges in April.