Elk Grove Village Man Found Guilty of Obstructing Justicein Rebecca Klein Murder Investigation

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that a jury has found Robert L. Edwards, 42 (d.o.b. 10/5/66) of 949 Wilshire Elk Grove Village Guilty of Obstructing Justice, a Class 4 Felony punishable by up to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, for providing material false information in the murder investigation of Rebecca Klein.  The jury deliberated for approximately four hours after a three-day-long trial in front of Judge Peter Dockery.

On March 16 2007, Villa Park police officers responded to a missing person’s report filed by Nicole Abusharif, Klein’s room mate.  The following day, police discovered Rebecca’s body inside the trunk of a car parked in the garage of the residence.  An investigation into the death of Klein revealed that Edwards had lied to the police regarding contact he had with Abusharif prior to the murder as well as his whereabouts when Rebecca Klein was murdered.  Abusharif has been charged with the murder of Rebecca Klein.

                “Today the message was sent loud and clear, lying to the police in a murder investigation will not be tolerated,” remarked Birkett. 

            Edwards’ next scheduled court date is December 30 for a sentencing hearing.  Over the State’s objections, Edwards was allowed to remain free on bond.

            Nicole Abusharif’s murder trial is scheduled to begin January 12, 2009 in front of Judge John Kinsella.  Members of the public are reminded that the charges against defendant Nicole Abusharif are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  Abusharif is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

###