Hinsdale man pleads not guilty to Bloomingdale murder
The "cold, calculated and premeditated" manner in which Bloomingdale resident Nate Fox was shot on Dec. 22 has led prosecutors to seek increased penalties for the man accused of killing him.
Assistant State's Attorney Tim Diamond on Wednesday filed a motion indicating prosecutors will seek an extended sentencing range of 45 years to natural life in prison for Jeffrey Keller if the Hinsdale man is convicted of murder. The typical range for a murder conviction is between 20 years and life in prison.
"The notice lets the defendant know we're seeking enhanced penalties based on the fact this murder was cold, calculated and premeditated," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said after Keller's arraignment. "Of course, we have to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt."
Keller, 51, of the 5500 block of South Park Avenue, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a five-count indictment of first-degree murder in the Dec. 22 death of Fox, who was gunned down as he got out of his vehicle at his home on the 200 block of Tamarack Drive.
Prosecutors say Keller killed Fox because of a delusional belief that Fox was having a romantic relationship with a woman Keller was having an "emotional affair" with.
Keller's attorney, Paul DeLuca, on Wednesday asked a judge to order Bloomingdale police to return the contents of Keller's briefcase that was confiscated upon his arrest to his wife, Elaine. DeLuca said the contents include $600 in cash and several checks and bank logs relating to the Oakbrook Terrace-based company 8to18inc.com, where Keller is CEO.
Keller has been held without bail since his Jan. 14 arrest. DeLuca said he may request bail in the near future.
DeLuca said Keller's family and friends have been "extremely supportive."
"Everybody's surprised, but his family and friends are supporting him," DeLuca said. "He's OK for now."
Keller's next court date is March 3.