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Charge: DuPage burglar hit home where 2 died in murder-suicide

A Downers Grove man was charged Friday with burglarizing the house where two of his neighbors died in a murder-suicide in July.

Prosecutors said Kenneth Harry, a previously convicted burglar, climbed a tree and onto the roof to get inside.

He's accused of taking a KitchenAid mixer, a guitar amplifier, a snowblower and six designer purses from the Park Avenue home where police say Thomas Scott stabbed his wife, Jennifer, to death before turning the knife on himself.

Assistant State's Attorney Bethany Jackson said an estate executor recently noticed the belongings were missing and reported it to police.

The investigation led to Harry's home five doors away. There, investigators found receipts showing he pawned the stolen items, Jackson told DuPage County Judge Elizabeth Sexton in bond court.

The charges allege Harry entered the house on at least three occasions between Aug. 28 and Tuesday. The Scotts' bodies were found July 19.

Jackson said Harry, 43, has prior convictions for burglary and armed robbery and has served time in prison. If convicted in the latest case, he could be eligible for an extended term of six to 30 years in prison.

Harry identified himself in court as a professional mover and father of four. He faces three counts of residential burglary and two counts of theft.

State's Attorney Bob Berlin said the case will be prosecuted to “the fullest extent of the law.”

“The very idea that someone would steal items from their recently deceased neighbors is revolting,” he said.

Harry's bail was set at $250,000. He would have to post $25,000 to get out of jail. His arraignment is Oct. 21 in front of Judge John Kinsella.

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