Crime & Safety

Court Separates Burglary Defendants Connected to New Lenox Homicide

Because of possible "divergent interests," in the testimonies of John White and David Reed, they will be tried separately. The two were charged with residential burglary in connection with the June 2011 homicide of Dwight Jones in New Lenox Township.

Two men accused of robbing a murdered New Lenox Township man were separated in court Tuesday because their attorneys believe they could give differing stories or pleas.

John H. White, 20, and David D. Reed, 23, both of Chicago, are charged with residential burglary in connection with the June slaying of township resident Dwight Jones. Police said Reed and White helped burglarize Jones' home along with the man charged with his murder, Rodney A. Julun.

Both men were scheduled for a final pretrial hearing Monday in Will County Court, but the defense attorneys asked for more time to settle "a couple more issues."

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The attorneys also requested that Reed and White be tried separately. They will still be co-defendants but will no longer appear in court together.

"The defendants may have divergent interests, so it might be best to keep them separate," said Chris Regis, assistant state's attorney.

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Regis wouldn't say what the divergent interests were exactly, but said it's possible the two would plea differently or provide different stories. Because of these changes, another pretrial hearing was scheduled for each defendant. White will appear in court Dec. 5 and Reed will be back Dec. 20.

Last week, Julun appeared in court and asked for a speedy trial. In addition to first-degree murder, Julun is charged with one count of home invasion, three counts of residential burglary, one count of robbery and one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Read "Murder Defendant Looking for Speedy Trial to Prove His Innocence."

According to police, White and Reed said during interviews that Julun committed the murder. Police say Julun then contacted the two others and together they proceeded to steal numerous items, including the victim's car, from the residence over two days.

Reed and White are both in custody at Will County Jail with a $250,000 bail.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.