JOHN SVENSTRUP PLEADS GUILTY IN MURDER OF WIFE

Prosecutors expected to ask for 20-year sentence

       WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today John W. Svenstrup, 44 (d.o.b. 9/28/62), of 581 S. Poplar, Elmhurst, entered a blind plea of guilty to Second Degree Murder in the death 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 Elmhurst Hospital where she was pronounced dead at approximately 11:30 p.m. that same evening.  After examining the body, a medical pathologist determined that Nancy Palumbo died from asphyxiation due to smothering.  An investigation into the matter resulted in the filing of five counts of First Degree Murder against Svenstrup.

            “On July 2^nd 2005, John Svenstrup took the life of his wife Nancy Palumbo,” commented Birkett.  “While there is nothing we can do to bring Nancy back to her loved ones, today’s agreement is an important first step for the Palumbo family in closing this horrible chapter in their lives.  Justice will be served in the memory of Nancy Palumbo.  Most importantly, this agreement requires that the defendant terminate all parental rights over his and Nancy Palumbo’s son, who is now only five years old and who will be adopted by Nancy’s brother and his wife.  Any attempt by the defendant to exercise any form of parental control over this child will violate today’s agreement and result in the re-instatement of first degree murder charges.”

            In exchange for Svenstrup’s plea of guilty to Second Degree Murder, Birkett intends on asking for a sentence of 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Had the case gone to trial, Svenstrup would have been eligible for 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Nancy Palumbo’s immediate family issued the following statement:

                        Today, John Svenstrup pleaded guilty, admitting that he murdered our daughter and sister, Nancy Palumbo.  We always knew he killed Nancy and  we have waited too long for this admission.  John Svenstrup cares so little for his son that he was willing to give up his parental rights to save his own hide.  We are not completely satisfied with this outcome.  Nothing will ever bring Nancy back.  We would prefer that he never be free again, for the sake of justice and for the protection of our entire family.

            Judge Michael Burke set a sentencing hearing for November 15, 2007 in Courtroom 4010.

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