Renowned US District Court Judge Harry Leinenweber dies at 87

CHICAGO (WLS) -- U.S. District Court Judge Harry D. Leinenweber has died at 87 years old.

He served as a judge in the Northern District of Illinois for nearly 40 years.

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Leinenweber presided over a number of high-profile cases, including R. Kelly's federal criminal trial in 2022

He also presided over the trial of the so-called ComEd Four.

Leinenweber is survived by his wife, former U.S. Labor Secretary Lynn Martin, and seven children and stepchildren.

Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer issued a statement, saying, "Judge Harry D. Leinenweber was a friend, mentor, and model jurist. My colleagues and I are deeply saddened by Judge Leinenweber's passing. We hope for comfort and peace for his family. We thank his family for sharing him with us for over 39 years."

Senator Dick Durbin issued a statement saying, "Judge Harry Leinenweber was respected for his knowledge of the law and his reputation for fairness. I always knew that he would bring that reputation to every assignment. He never disappointed.

"To his wife, Lynn Martin-my former House colleague-and his family, Loretta and I extend our thanks for a life well-lived and an exemplary lifetime of public service."