A couple of things strike me as odd about this sad case.
1. In light of the fact that Hale was in jail for specifically soliciting murder on this judge (and, by logical extension, any resident family members), why wasn't the house guarded 24 x 7 by the Federal Marshall Service? This is even more important in a gun-controlled place like Chicago, were simple posession of firearms is outlawed in several municipalities - in complete violation of the 2nd amendment. If the house was guarded (which would only be logical in light of the above), how could such a thing happen unless there were complicity among those guarding the family?
2. While Hale (and his followers) are certainly logical suspects, it's jumping to conclusions to assume a) it was even a murder to begin with (could have been murder/suicide); and b) Hale & Co. are responsible. (There could have been someone else with a grudge against the judge's lawyer husband, for example).
Assuming for a moment that one of Hale's disciples broke in and barbarically slaughtered the judge's husband and elderly mother, it is a sad irony that a liberal judge (who likely opposes the 2nd amendment) might yet be able to enjoy her husband and mother's company if her spouse had been armed and able to resist the killer who entered their home.
I've been wondering why everyone has already determined that this Hale character is involved. Now, it sure looks like it, but come on-- like you said, her husband was a criminal defense attorney (in CHICAGO). Surely he was dealing with very unsavory characters too. Then there is always simply a random act of violence that has nothing to do with their careers.
I feel horrible for this women. I knew a DA once whose entire family was under a death threat for a few years from gang members. He had 3 kids under 5 (everyone's okay, but imagine the worrying).
Many ways. . .'Guardsare human. . .and they have been known, to let their guard down.or just an early lunch. . .they stepped inside. . .etc. et al. . .
OR; more likely, ...the person entered without raising suspicions. . .doubt that the person/s who did this. ..came running toward the house with a weapon in view. . .more likely. ..more clever/subtle.
That said; it is an assumption to imagine Guards. . .may have had 'security' and cameras etc; but not 'armed guards'. . albeit. . Guards seem more reasonable here. . .and we do not know if her husband had a gun and/or if he did; whether he had a chance to use it. ..or not.
We have to wait for many of the details before we can wrap up our assumptions here. . .
OTOH. ..Free Repub is a place to speculate and consider options/possibilities. . .
You make a good point that it could be someone other than a member of Hale's group.
Could this bozo, Hale, be so stupid as to think that if he murdered her family she would be intimidated and not give him extra years ..?? It boggles the mind.
Could also have just been an intruder who didn't even know these people, just thought he saw a fancy house and thought he could get good stuff.
Matthew Hale might just be the least likely suspect. He's smart enough to earn a law degree so he'd also be smart enough to wait until after sentencing to try something like this. He probably has no chance of ever stepping out of jail now. Also since he's in solitary confinement and prison calls are generally recorded and/or monitored, it would be extremely difficult to organize the attack.
50% odds it's a street criminal. 50% it's a criminal from another case.