Story posted Thursday, November 19, 2009
Nov. 30 Sentencing Date Set In Beskow Murder Case
After a three-day trial, a jury found an Ingleside man guilty of murdering a man in Palatine.
Preston J. Cooper, 24, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder on Thursday, Oct. 22. The jury took less than two hours to return with their verdict, according to a spokesperson from the Cook County State's Attorney's office.
During a party in the 900 block of East Wilmette Road on July 25, 2006, Cooper shot and killed Jesse M. Beskow of Fox Lake. People at the party allegedly removed Beskow's clothing, bathed his body, wrapped him in a blanket, and carried him out to a vehicle.
Cooper's father and his girlfriend, Jacqueline M. Gallagher, 20, of Round Lake Heights, later drove Beskow's body to a wetlands area in Chicago near the Calumet Incinerator where they left him in 12-foot weeds. On Sept. 22 of 2008, investigators learned of the alleged murder; they located Beskow's remains a few days later. Cooper was taken into custody on Sept. 30, 2008.
Gallagher was sentenced to three years in prison after she pled guilty to a charge of concealment of a homicidal death in a Rolling Meadows courtroom on Mar. 26.
She was paroled on Sept. 25 and is scheduled for release from parole on Sept. 26, 2010.
A sentencing hearing for Cooper is scheduled for Nov. 30 in the Rolling Meadows courtroom of Judge Thomas Fecarotta, Jr. Cooper has been held with no bond in Cook County Jail since his apprehension.
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