Witness's death won't impact Blagojevich

CHICAGO, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The suicide of a key witness won't harm efforts to defend former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich against federal fraud and racketeering charges, his lawyer says.

Sam Adam Jr. says the late Christopher Kelly "will speak ... from the grave" at Blagojevich's trial next June, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.

Adams says Kelly's refusal to plead guilty in Blagojevich's case shows the former Illinois governor wasn't involved in any wrongdoing with Kelly. Balgojevich was impeached and removed from office in January.

Kelly, 51, died after a suspected drug overdose Sept. 12 after pleading guilty to two criminal cases involving income tax fraud and fraud at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Blagojevich wasn't involved in either of those cases.

In a third case directed at the former governor, Kelly faced charges of racketeering and extortion.

Those close to Kelly said he was steadfast in his refusal to cooperate with the government despite the immense pressure that was being placed upon him.