Two charged with murder in connection with death of Edline Chun
Posted at: 03/01/2013 9:52 AM
| Updated at: 03/01/2013 6:53 PM
By: Lynette Adams | WHEC.com
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Two arrests have been made in connection with the death of a respected RIT professor who was dumped in a park. Police say Edline Chun had been shot twice in the head.
News10NBC learned Friday that police believe Chun’s former neighbor and his girlfriend are responsible.
Jerrell Henry and Natalie Johnson pleaded not guilty in court Friday morning. The charge is second-degree felony murder.
Police say they robbed Chun at her home, shot her and then dumped her body.
Chun was an adjunct professor at RIT for two decades but friends say she spent most of her time giving back to the community.
Friends of Edline Chun tell News10NBC she was involved in 13 different community organizations and programs. They say she helped to found Sojournor House -- an organization that provides shelter and support for troubled women and their children -- but that's only the beginning of the legacy Chun leaves behind.
“To hear about the woman found in the park, it never dawned on me it would be her and when we found it was her it was really devastating.” Grace Gladney worked with Edline Chun for 20 years at RIT. She still has not come to terms with the reality that her friend isn't coming back. “We ate lunch with her everyday so for her not to be there with us eating lunch is still shocking. It's hard. Even though they've caught two people it's still hard.”
Gladney was among a group of friends and acquaintances who came to the Public Safety Building to hear what police had to say about Chun's case. Friends don't understand who would hurt someone they say was so caring and compassionate.
“She opened her home to the person and he took advantage of her. So she was probably there to help someone.” Kim Brumber heads Neighborworks Rochester and came to know Chun over the 14 years Chun served on the group's board.
Neighborworks helps promote city neighborhoods and homeownership. Chun was also involved with the YWCA, the Beechwood Neighborhood Coalition and Literacy Volunteers.
Chun was a native of Hawaii. Friends say she worked hard at RIT, working nights, weekends and holidays. They say she was devoted to her students and while she was only part-time, she put in more than full time hours.
Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard said this is very much an open and active investigation.
Henry and Johnson are due in court Wednesday but it's like this case will be waived to a grand jury.
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