Crime & Safety

Husband Accused of Killing Young Wife in 1973 Held on $4 Million Bail

Donnie Rudd appeared in court on crutches. His attorney says he has colon cancer.

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BARRINGTON HILLS, IL — A Cook County judge set bail at $4 million Thursday morning the 73-year-old man accused of murdering his 19-year-old wife four decades ago in Barrington Hills.

Donnie Rudd, 73, made Noreen Kumeta’s death look like a car accident, according to police, shortly after the two wed. Rudd was 31 at the time. Clad in hospital clothes, Rudd appeared in court with crutches, reports the Chicago Tribune. His lawyer, who asked for $500,000 bail, said Rudd suffers from colon cancer. Prosecutors sought bail of $5 million.

Authorities decided to re-open the case while investigating Rudd’s possible ties to the 1991 murder of Lauretta (Terri) Tabak-Bodtke, 59, who was found dead in her home at 1627 N. Belmont Ave. in Arlington Heights. She suffered several gunshot wounds, according to Mike Hernandez, Arlington Heights Deputy Chief.

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Police have not charged Rudd in connection with Tabak-Bodtke’s death but say he remains a suspect, Hernandez said.

Rudd, 73, was arrested last week in Sugarland, Texas, following a joint investigation by the Cold Case Unit of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Arlington Heights Police Department.

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