Feds don't want Blago jury told about suicide

Prosecutors trying to keep panel in Rod Blagojevich trial unaware of his chief fundraiser's death

Published April 19, 2010 6:40PM (EDT)

Prosecutors in Chicago are urging a federal judge to bar former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's (blah-GOY'-uh-viches) lawyers from telling the jury at his corruption trial about his chief fundraiser's suicide.

In court papers Monday, prosecutors say Blagojevich and his attorneys have made remarks suggesting they might bring up fundraiser Christopher Kelly's suicide at the trial.

The contractor headed Blagojevich's campaign committee and was found dead of an apparent overdose last September. Blagojevich later was quoted as saying Kelly took his life because of the stress of the situation.

The former governor is charged with scheming to sell or trade President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat. He's denied any wrongdoing.


By Associated Press

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Crime Democratic Party Rod Blagojevich