Judge Gives Attorneys Time to Review Upcoming Ruling in Kustok Trial

A Cook County judge will allow defense attorneys in the Alan Kustok murder trial several days to review a written ruling regarding the release of documents before it’s officially announced and filed next week.

Last month, Judge John J. Hynes was asked by state prosecutors to approve following attempts by news media to obtain those documents by legal request.

Rick Beuke, lead defense attorney, gave no objections to the state’s emergency request last month, but has since asked the court for more time to review the proposed ruling.

Commenting on behalf of Beuke, attorney Ernest DiBenedetto said the defense needed more time to “make sure we’re agreeing to the right thing.” He refused to show a copy of Hynes’ ruling to reporters, but noted that the defense team is “leaning towards it” as written.

All parties are scheduled back at the Bridgeview Courthouse in Room 110 on Monday, Nov. 21, when Hynes is expected to formally announce his ruling on sealing the investigation.

Kustok’s daughter, Sarah, was also present in court Thursday.