Man gets life in prison without parole for '93 murder of Aurora Twp. woman

Calling his crime a "glimpse into the very depths of human cruelty," a Kane County judge Thursday sentenced Edward Tenney to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"These killings were cruel, they were cold-blooded," 16th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Donald Hudson said.

There was no visible reaction from the 48-year-old Tenney. When asked by Hudson if he would like to make a statement before learning his fate, Tenney shook his head.

"No, sir," Tenney said. "It wouldn't do no good anyway."

He was convicted by a jury Sept. 27 in the 1993 slaying of Virginia Johannessen, a 75-year-old Aurora Township woman. The verdict triggered a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole.

He already is serving a life sentence for the murder of dairy heiress Mary Jill Oberweis, who lived down the street from Johannessen. Before his incarceration Tenney lived in Aurora.

Thursday's sentencing puts an end to a case that has dragged on for years. Tenney was first convicted of Johannessen's murder in 1998 and sentenced to death. His cousin and accomplice, Donald Lippert, testified against Tenney in that case and the Oberweis case and received a reduced sentence of 80 years.

But in 2002, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the Johannessen verdict, saying Tenney did not receive a fair trial because incriminating statements from another man convicted of the crime, Lionel Lane, were not allowed in court. The guilty verdict against Lane was vacated after Tenney was charged in 1995.

"For most of his adult life, the defendant has harbored contempt of the law," Hudson said. "The defendant harbors contempt for the sanctity of human life."

Before the sentencing hearing, Hudson ruled on a motion filed by Tenney claiming "ineffective representation" by his lawyer, Herb Hill of Aurora. Tenney's motion blasted Hill for failing to call certain witnesses, among other complaints.

He requested a new attorney be appointed. Hudson denied that request, saying Tenney's claims were without merit.

"It's fair to say that Mr. Hill more than vigorously and more than adequately represented Mr. Tenney over these past 10 years," Hudson said.

Tenney also is accused of killing and robbing Jerry D. Weber, a 24-year-old father of two, in April 1993, after his van broke down in a field. DuPage County prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty in that case.