Don't Say Anything, But Lefkow Is Back

By Sam Bakken in News on Jul 13, 2005 8:00PM

Now we didn't tell you this, but approximately four months after Bart Ross murdered her husband and mother at her Chicago home, Judge Lefkow returned to court Tuesday to preside over a number of routine civil cases. Her deputy said she "didn't want a lot of fanfare", and a note on her courtroom door said so:

"Notice to parties appearing before Judge Lefkow, Judge Lefkow wishes to express her profound gratitude to all who extended condolences to her and her family after their tragedy of February 28, 2005. The family intends to send acknowledgments to all whose thoughts, prayers, memorial donations and other acts of compassion helped to alleviate their grief. In court proceedings, Judge Lefkow respectfully requests that no reference be made to the matter.

The last sentence was printed in bold, and apparently lawyers were afraid to even just welcome her back for fear of violating the order. Friends said she'd recently resumed working in her chambers (and she issued a decision on a civil suit last week), but she hadn't appeared in court until yesterday. She's not back full-time, but will be in the fall.

Since the slayings Lefkow has been under 24-hour surveillance, and yesterday three U.S. marshals oversaw her courtroom proceedings. In May, Lefkow testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee asking for increased protection for judges.