Not guilty plea in Round Lake Park woman's death

One of two people charged in connection with the drug overdose death of a Round Lake Park woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Lake County circuit court.

Charles Best, 37, is charged with concealing a homicide in the Aril 15 death of his sister-in-law, Melissa Best, 34.

Melissa Best was reported missing on April 16 by her husband, and police said she had joined Charles Best and his wife, Sherry Best, 33, at the extended stay motel in Waukegan the day before.

Police said Sherry Best, who is charged with drug-induced homicide in addition to concealing the death, gave Melissa a fatal dose of heroin.

Charles Best arrived at the motel after his shift at a Waukegan factory, police said, and carried Melissa's body down to her van in the motel parking lot.

He then drove the van to a parking lot in Grayslake, where he abandoned the body and left in a car being driven by Sherry Best.

Melissa Best's body was discovered in the van on April 25.

Police arrested both Charles and Sherry Best on May 12 after toxicology tests confirmed Melissa Best had died from a heroin overdose.

Both are being held on $1 million bond.

Sherry Best is due to appear for arraignment June 9, and Charles Best is due in court again June 14.

Both face up to five years in prison if convicted of concealing a homicide, while Sherry Best could be sentenced to up to 60 years if convicted of drug induced homicide.