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Defense Opposes Evidence From Cell Phone in Kustok Murder Case

A Cook County judge will look at case law presented by both sides in the murder case against Allan Kustok before deciding whether to allow new cell phone evidence to be admitted.

 


Authorities have gained additional evidence from a cell phone recently analyzed with technology that wasn't available two years ago, when Allan Kustok, 61, was arrested and charged in the shooting death of his wife, prosecutors said during a hearing Wednesday.

Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Gonzalez said she filed a motion earlier this month to admit evidence found on the cell phone, though she didn't say what the evidence entails. 

Kustok's attorneys, Rich Beuke and co-counsel Ernie DiBenedetto and Randy Rueckert, are opposed to allowing the new evidence, Rueckert said Wednesday as Kustok stood silently beside him. Beuke was not present at the hearing.

Outfitted in an orange Department of Corrections shirt and pants, Kustok also had a chain secured around his waist, which was not typical at previous hearings. He has been in custody since Oct. 1, 2010, held on a $2 million bond.

Authorities say Kustok put a .357 Magnum to his wife’s head and pulled the trigger on Sept. 29, 2010, inside their Orland Park home. Defense attorney Beuke has contended in previous interviews that his client awoke that morning to a gunshot but has declined to release further details.

Judge John J. Hynes will review arguments each side has to present for or against allowing the evidence.

"I'll take a look at any case law you want to present on either side," Hynes said.

Gonzalez asked Hynes if he wanted a copy of the search warrant issued on the cell phone previously and the judge responded that he would take anything the attorneys believe will give insight on their position.

Kustok's attorneys declined to comment after the hearing, as they have been issued a gag order on the case.

Hynes is scheduled to issue his ruling on the evidence on Jan. 25.

Correction: The original story indicated that Allan Kustok was estranged from his wife. They were married at the time Jeanie Kustok died. Patch regrets the error.

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Related Topics: Allan Kustok, Cook County State's Attorney, Ernie DiBenedetto, Orland Park Police Department, Randy Rueckert, Rick Beuke, and kustok murder

frank

9:33 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

Prisoners are set free because of previously unknown DNA evidence, why can't new cell phone technology be used in this case? Swift justice and common sense are not in evidence with this case.

WAKE UP PEOPLE!

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voklst

12:05 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I'm finding 'wonderment' at a particular word in the 1st paragraph.....
" Estranged " Bridgette Outten?
Per whom? Site your source please.
Per the kids? Mrs. Kustoks co-workers or
Friends? The police? Or just words out of
Mister Kustoks mouth?
From what I've read previously...
Mrs. Kustok went about life as usual.
Went to work, went home, slept in her own bed.
I've read there may be a girlfriend then
Nothing more on that.
Did the children know they were Estranged?
Or a case of the 'wife is always the last to know'?

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Ben Feldheim

12:19 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

That was an error. It's been noted now. They were still married at the time she died. Thanks for pointing out.

Harry Callahan

12:56 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I knew years ago that Mr. Kustok had a problem and even commenting to others when a parent pulls his kid out of one HS and sends to another were he even didn't live in the DIST. because the football team was not a passing orientated program.I have met several like him in my years in HS programs and believe me they were very irrational men,it was more about them than the kids,this was one case and you have seen the outcome.

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Terri

2:00 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I doubt that murder is a logical progression of wanting your kids to excel is sports!

frank

6:11 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

This is a murder or suicide case and comments will probably now lead to Kustock's preference of jockey shorts to boxers.

Wake up people!

Swift Justice and common sense are what we need now.

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M

2:00 pm on Thursday, December 27, 2012

This case will be tried in Kankakee and he will be a free man..

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denise grein

8:52 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013

Are his children still standing by him and defending him as they once were?
Hopefully whatever evidence they have on the cell phone records can help bring to light some answers to help solve this case.

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