States Attorney
Grand Jury Indicts John Svenstrup in Murder of Wife
Bail set at $5 million
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that a DuPage County Grand Jury has returned a five-count indictment against John W. Svenstrup, 43 (d.o.b. 9/28/62), of 581 S. Poplar, Elmhurst, for the murder of his wife Nancy L Palumbo, 42 (d.o.b. 3/20/63).
On July 2, 2005, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Elmhurst Fire and Police Departments responded to a 911 call concerning an unresponsive woman, later identified as Nancy Palumbo. Upon their arrival at the victim’s home, the Elmhurst Fire Department’s Paramedic transported her to the Elmhurst Hospital where she was pronounced dead at approximately 11:30 p.m. that same evening. After examining the body, a medical pathologist recently determined that Mrs. Palumbo died from asphyxiation due to smothering. The investigation continued resulting in yesterday’s charges.
“This indictment alleges that on July 2nd Nancy Palumbo’s life was taken from her by her husband, John Svenstrup. It is further alleged that John Svenstrup caused the death of Nancy Palumbo by intentionally and knowingly suffocating her. While we can not bring back Nancy Palumbo we can seek justice in her memory.”
Birkett continued, “I would like to thank the Elmhurst Police Department for their complete and thorough investigation in this extremely emotional case. As always, they did an exceptional job in some very difficult circumstances and they are to be commended for that.”
Svenstrup faces five counts of first-degree murder and, if found guilty, is eligible for 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The indictment was returned late yesterday afternoon. Judge George Bakalis set bond at $5 million. The Elmhurst Police arrested Svenstrup without incident shortly thereafter. Svenstrup appeared in bond court today where Judge Dudgeon kept bond at $5 million. Svenstrup’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 27, 2005, in Courtroom 4010.
Members of the public are reminded that this indictment contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
