Downers Grove Man Accused of Burglarizing Dead Neighbors' Home

A Downers Grove man was charged Friday with burglarizing his neighbors' home just weeks after they were found dead of an apparent murder-suicide.

Kenneth Harry, 43, of the 6200 block of Park Ave. was charged with three counts of residential burglary and two counts of theft for allegedly stealing several items from the home of Jennifer and Thomas Smith, who were discovered by Downers Grove police officers during a well-being check July 19, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin.

Harry appeared in bond court Friday morning, where Judge Elizabeth Sexton set his bail at $250,000, with 10 percent to apply.

Authorities allege that Harry entered the Smiths' home multiple times between Aug. 28 and Sept. 17. He is accused of stealing several items, including a snowblower, an amplified and six Coach purses.

Harry then pawned the stolen items and kept the proceeds, Berlin said.

The Downers Grove Police Department uncovered the alleged thefts when the executor of the Smiths' estate noticed some items missing from the home and contacted the police.

Harry was taken into custody Thursday morning without incident.

“I am very proud of the work and effort of our officers in handling this very disturbing case,” Downers Grove Police Chief Robert Porter said. 

If convicted, Harry faces a possible sentence of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, Berlin said.               

“The very idea that someone would steal items from their recently deceased neighbors is revolting,” Berlin said in a statement. “The allegations that Mr. Harry did just that will not be taken lightly and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Harry's next court appearance is scheduled for October 21, 2013, in front of Judge John Kinsella for arraignment.