States Attorney
CHARGES FILED IN CHRISTMAS DAY MURDER INVESTIGATION
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba announced today that Robert Rejda, 25 (d.o.b. 8/23/1981) of 01 S 473 Leahy Street, Oak Brook Terrace, has been charged in a 28-count indictment with the Christmas evening home invasion, rape and murder of Lauren Kiefer, 24 (d.o.b. 5/25/82) of 1 S 348 Myrtle in unincorporated DuPage County. Rejda is also charged separately with home invasion and rape in connection with an October 9, 2005 attack of an Aurora woman in her home. Those charges were placed against Rejda on February 1, 2007. At that time, Rejda was already in custody in connection with a January 1, 2007 arrest on unrelated traffic and drug charges.
It is alleged that the defendant broke into Lauren’s home where she lived with her mother. Lauren arrived home alone from a family gathering shortly after 6:20 p.m. Her brutally beaten and sexually assaulted body was discovered at approximately 7:15 p.m. when her mother returned home.
It is alleged in this indictment that the defendant, who knew Lauren from grade school, broke into the house where he attacked Lauren with an aluminum baseball bat. It is further alleged that he delivered several blows to Lauren’s body and head in a manner that was “exceptionally brutal and heinous, indicative of wanton cruelty.” It is also alleged that during the attack the defendant sexually assaulted Lauren. The indictment further alleges that the defendant broke into the home to commit a theft.
Lauren Kiefer is survived by her mother Janice, her father Nick and her sister Carli. State’s Attorney Birkett and Sheriff Zaurba expressed their sympathies to the family.
State’s Attorney Birkett and Sheriff Zaruba praised the efforts of the DuPage County Sheriff’s detectives especially Major Mark Edwalds, Tiffany Wayda, Pete Sterenberg and Jim Williams, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office particularly Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Kendall and Jane Radostits who will prosecute the case as well as the Oak Brook Terrace Police and Fire Departments and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office. Birkett and Zaruba also expressed their gratitude to the many neighbors and concerned citizens who helped.
First Degree Murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Due to the nature of these crimes and the manner in which they were committed, the death penalty is a possible punishment in the event of a conviction. In addition to the First Degree Murder charges, Rejda also faces six counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, six counts of Home Invasion and two counts of Residential Burglary.
Rejda is scheduled to appear in bond court tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.
Lauren’s father, Nick Kiefer, does wish to make a brief statement on behalf of the family but after that, at the family’s request, we would ask that you refrain from further inquiries and respect their privacy.
Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are 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.
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