Born: 'Blake's life turned upside down in last 48 hours'

Originally published Jan. 12, 1993

Here is what Dennis Born, attorney for Martin Blake, said when he was greeted by reporters and announced Blake would go free. The questions were asked by various reporters. The answers are Born's unless noted. "He" refers to Blake.

Q. Does he have a police order to stay in the area?

A. "There is no police order at this time that I'm aware of. He has every right to move about the community as each one of us do and I think he should. He has no legal order to do anything except be an ordinary citizen. The police have not asked him to do anything out of the ordinary that they would ask of any individual. We're just pleased that the law enforcement authorities reviewed the case and made what we feel to be the proper decision."

Q. Have you been given any assurances he won't be arrested in the future?

A. "They have given me no assurance other than to say 'your client will be released.' And that is what I am here for and that is what has occurred."

Q. What's his demeanor right now?

A. "He's very relieved. He's very relieved to be going home. They've interviewed again, all witnesses. They've made a determination. And it is their belief that he is not to be charged. Yes he's relieved too. And he'd like to go home."

Q. Did they tell you why they brought him in?

A. "You'd have to ask the Palatine police and the Cook County State's Attorney why they brought him in."

Q. Is he worried about a cloud hanging over him even if he's not being charged that people will think he is a suspect?

A. "That's why I'm standing here as opposed to him because he's got to go back to his normal life. It's very difficult. His life has been turned upside down in the last 48 hours. We'll see what happens."

Q. Do you plan on filing a complaint?

A. "I will discuss those things with the Cook County State's Attorney when it's appropriate and I would have no comment on it."