Thursday morning Allan Kustok pled not guilty to the charge of murdering his wife. Kustok entered his not guilty plea in Courtroom 101 at the Bridgeview court house. Kustok wore a yellow jail jumpsuit and had a gray beard that he did not have when he was arrested in September and charged with murdering his wife, Anita “Jeanie” Kustok, who was a beloved teacher in the gifted program at
Kustok appeared before Judge David Sterba, the presiding judge of the Fifth Circuit of the
Kustok didn’t say a word during the brief proceeding. His lawyer, Rick Beuke, entered his not guilty plea for him.
Sitting in the first row of the courtroom were Kustok’s two children Zak and Sarah.
Approximately 30 minutes after entering the plea Beuke spoke to reporters.
“I think he’s doing remarkably well since he’s never been in anything remotely like this situation before,” Beuke said when asked about his client’s condition.
Kustok, who is charged with first degree murder, is being held in the Kankakee County Jail on a bond of $2 million. Beuke said efforts are being made by family and friends to raise the $200,000 it would take for Kustok to post bond.
Beuke said Kustok firmly maintains his innocence.
“He’s not sure what happened, but clearly he maintains he didn’t shoot her,” Beuke said.
Peter Rush, an attorney representing Zak and Sarah Kustok, made a brief statement.
“Zak, Sarah and Nicole (Zak Kustok’s wife), miss Jeanie terribly,” Rush said. “They love her and she will remain in their heart forever. They are in contact with their father almost daily. They intend to stand by their father and will be with him to the end.”
Kustok’s next court date is Dec. 14 when there will be a hearing on discovery matters.
