Family of Murder Victim Appears at Every Court Hearing Despite Trial Delays

Last Sunday, Oct. 22, New Lenox Township homicide victim Dwight Jones would have turned 60.

His family held a small celebration without their beloved family member, , by going to dinner in Chicago.

"He would have had it much bigger," said his cousin, Gail Page, about Jones' birthday party. "He was always the life of the party and was planning something big."

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Page, along with Jones' neice and sister, were at a pretrial hearing Wednesday at the Will County Courthouse for the man accused of his murder.

Rodney A. Julun, 22, of Chicago, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of home invasion, three counts of residential burglary, one count of robbery and one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle. His bail was set at $5 million and he remains in custody at Will County Jail.

Jones' family members, hoping his killer will face justice, are attending every procedural hearing to show support and stay on top of the proceedings against Julun.

On Wednesday, Julun's trial was again continued to a later date. Prosecutor Chris Regis said the state has turned over all its evidence, but the defense "is dragging its feet."

He spoke with the family after the hearing and prepared them for the likelihood of a long process.

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Julun's next pre-trial court date is Nov. 18. While investigating this case, found two other people who police say had knowledge of the homicide: John H. White, 20, and David D. Reed, 23, both of Chicago.

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 VW Jetta, from the residence over two days. They were both in court Monday morning and their cases were continued to Nov. 21.

Two relatives of Julun's also came to Wednesday's hearing, and Julun smiled at them multiple times. Page said seeing family members of the men accused of the homicide and burglary makes her sad. She said she knows they're holding out hope that justice will prevail, just like Jones' family is.

"We the family are committed to being represented at every phase of this process," Page said in an earlier interview. "We want justice done."