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Thread: Nicholas T. Sheley Sentenced to LWOP in 2008 MO Slayings of Jill and Tom Estes

  1. #11
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    Sheley defense seeks prosecution’s communications

    Judge OKs subpoenas to obtain any documents

    GALESBURG — The defense for Nicholas Sheley, who is accused of killing eight people in Illinois and Missouri in 2008, on Friday requested the prosecution share with them any communication it may have had with Illinois agencies.

    Specifically, the defense is seeking documents relating to communications between the prosecution and the Attorney General’s office, Illinois Department of Corrections and governor’s office. The defense subpoenaed both the prosecution and Attorney General’s office in an attempt to turn over those documents.

    The Attorney General represents DOC, which is responsible for transporting Sheley to meet with experts hired by the defense to perform certain tests. A judge previously ruled the defense does not have to notify the prosecution of these meetings.

    However, DOC recently failed to comply with the court order, which delayed the trial an estimated three to six months. The department was also found in contempt of court in July.

    A different section of the Attorney General’s office is helping Knox County prosecutors in the case against Sheley, who was in court Friday. The defense contended communication between the section of the Attorney General’s office representing DOC and those helping local prosecutors could undermine their case. The Attorney General’s office countered that it has established an “ethical wall” to prevent the information from being shared.

    Ultimately, Knox County Judge James Stewart approved the defense’s subpoenas. He ruled it was important that the prosecution reveal what types of communications it has had with state agencies, including DOC, because it could impact Sheley’s right to a fair trial.

    “We need a record to see if it has happened or not,” Stewart said.

    Stewart also noted the Illinois Supreme Court, which will review the case, would want to see that record. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for Sheley, who is charged in Knox County with the beating death of Ronald Randall, 65, Galesburg, in June 2008.

    In response to the subpoena, the prosecution said it has had no communication with state agencies that hasn’t already been presented in court. Stewart asked they put that in writing within 14 days.

    During a separate hearing Friday, lawyers from the Attorney General’s office also were in court because of the subpoena.

    Stewart ordered a different arrangement between the defense and the Attorney General’s office. A representative from the Attorney General’s office must meet with a defense lawyer to sift through the documents to see which will be included in the subpoena.

    The documents will likely include e-mails, letters, telephone calls and other forms of communication.
    Stewart said he hopes the matter can be cleared up quickly. He also said Friday he hopes the trial could begin in 2011.

    “It really is my intention to try this case next year,” he said.

    The defense agreed.

    Sheley’s next hearing will be in December.

    http://www.galesburg.com/newsnow/x16...communications

  2. #12
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    Sheley seeks separate sentencing jury

    If accused killer Nicholas Sheley is convicted of first-degree murder at his trial next year, his defense would like a separate jury to be present at his sentencing hearing.

    Last week, Sheley’s defense filed a motion requesting a separate jury for sentencing proceedings. During these proceedings, the jury would determine whether or not Sheley should receive the death penalty, which is being sought by the prosecution.

    The defense is requesting the jury be separate from the trial jury.

    In Knox County, Sheley is being charged with the June 2008 beating death of Ronald Randall, 65, Galesburg. Sheley also is being charged in Whiteside County and Missouri for allegedly committing seven other murders.

    In the motion, the defense notes the prosecution will likely use evidence of these other seven murders at Sheley’s potential sentencing hearing. Yet, under a court ruling, the jury during the guilt/innocence phase of the trial is only permitted to learn of one additional murder that allegedly occurred before the crimes Sheley is being accused of committing in Knox County.

    The defense believes, then, that impaneling one jury to hear the entire case creates a conflict. The solution is to have two separate juries.

    Meanwhile, Sheley’s defense also had a closed door meeting in the Knox County Courthouse on Tuesday. Defense attorney Jeremy Karlin said the meeting was in regards to defense budgeting.

    Sheley will be in court again next week.

    http://www.galesburg.com/news/x20129...entencing-jury

  3. #13
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    Judge denies Sheley separate jury for sentencing trial

    A Knox County judge Thursday denied a motion filed by the defense of accused killer Nicholas Sheley seeking a separate jury for his potential sentencing hearing.

    The defense’s motion was filed earlier this month and asked for a separate jury should Sheley be convicted of first-degree murder at his trial next year. During sentencing proceedings, the jury would determine whether or not Sheley should receive the death penalty, which is being sought by the prosecution.

    In Knox County, Sheley is being charged with the June 2008 beating death of Ronald Randall, 65, Galesburg. He also is being charged outside of Knox County and in Missouri for allegedly committing seven other murders.

    In court Thursday, the arguments revolved around the legal practice of questioning jurors about their backgrounds and potential biases, a process known as voir dire.

    Specifically, the jurors will be asked about their opinions of the death penalty and whether or not it is an appropriate sentence under certain circumstances, like in a case where the defendant is being charged with multiple murders.

    In their motion, the defense noted that if Sheley is convicted, the prosecution will likely use evidence of the other seven murders he is being accused of at his sentencing hearing. Therefore, the defense must ask jurors how evidence of multiple murders would affect their ability to fairly determine whether the death penality is appropriate in Sheley’s case.

    Yet, under a court ruling, the trial jury is only permitted to learn of one additional murder that allegedly occurred before the crimes Sheley is being accused of committing in Knox County.

    Additionally, the defense said a juror’s bias toward the death penalty could be unfair for Sheley. They were hoping to resolve the conflicts by impaneling two juries.

    In denying the defense’s motion, Knox County Judge James Stewart considered it a “theoretical issue.” He noted that Sheley’s right to a fair trial has not been denied “until we have evidence that the jury would be impartial.”

    “From what I know, I can’t grant the motion,” Stewart said.

    Stewart did note that the court will have to make a “fact-based inquiry” into the jurors by asking them specific questions about their feelings on the death penalty.

    Sheley’s next court hearing is scheduled for March.

    http://www.galesburg.com/newsnow/x49...ntencing-trial

  4. #14
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    Governor's death penalty ban will spare Sheley in Illinois

    ROCK FALLS - Accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley was one of three defendants in Illinois facing a possible death sentence, and now appears spared, at least in Illinois.

    Sheley is a former Sterling man accused of killing 8 people in a two state crime spree in 2008.

    His first trial is expected to start in Galesburg sometime this summer, and prosecutors filed their intent to seek the death penalty.

    A spokesperson from Knox County declined to comment on the case Wednesday, and a representative from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office which is prosecuting the Sheley case said they would have to get back to WQAD on the matter.

    But the Governor outlawed future executions and commuted the sentences of 15 inmates already on death row, including Daniel Ramsey.

    The Keokuk, Iowa man killed a 12-year old girl and a 16-year old girl back in 1996 in Hancock County.

    Sheley could still face the death penalty in Missouri, where he's accused of killing two people.

    http://www.wqad.com/news/wqad-sheley...,7599145.story

  5. #15
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    Knox County prosecution drops death penalty in Sheley case

    The prosecution for Nicholas Sheley dropped the death penalty Tuesday, three weeks after Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation abolishing the practice in Illinois.

    On March 9, Gov. Pat Quinn signed the legislation and commuted the sentences of the state’s 15 death row inmates. The move officially will halt the practice of the death penalty statewide July 1.

    But Knox County State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer and the prosecution for Sheley opted to “decertify” the case Tuesday during a case management hearing in Knox County Circuit Court.

    “(The death penalty) is not an available remedy in this case,” Pepmeyer said in open court Tuesday.

    In Knox County, Sheley is being charged with the June 2008 beating death of Ronald Randall, 65, Galesburg. He also is being charged outside of Knox County and in Missouri for allegedly committing seven other murders during a multi-state killing spree.

    http://www.pjstar.com/news/x85593579...in-Sheley-case

  6. #16
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    Nicholas Sheley will represent self in June 20 murder trial

    Accused killer Nicholas Sheley will be allowed to represent himself at his June trial, a Knox County Circuit judge ruled Monday.

    Sheley, who is charged in Knox County with the June 2008 beating death of Ronald Randall, 65, was frustrated with his defense, in part because his case has lingered on for close to three years without a trial date being set. As a result, Sheley filed a lengthy “pro se” motion stating his intention to represent himself in the case.

    On Monday, Judge James Stewart not only granted Sheley’s motion to represent himself but set the trial for June 20.

    Sheley is accused of killing Randall during a multi-state killing spree. He is being charged elsewhere in Illinois and in Missouri for allegedly committing seven other murders.

    Before Stewart made his decision, both prosecution and defense argued against Sheley’s motion. Defense Attorney Jeremy Karlin warned Sheley’s temper could hamper his ability to get a fair trial.

    “My greatest concern, your honor, is my client’s ability to maintain his temper,” he said.

    While in court on separate charges for battering three officers at the Knox County jail, Sheley was removed from the courthouse in September 2009 after he verbally assaulted the presiding judge. He was later sentenced to seven years in prison for the battery.

    A similar outburst in the courthouse could reflect negatively on the jury, Karlin argued, and impede his right to a fair trial.

    The prosecution also noted Sheley will have only limited access to certain documents necessary for his trial because he is being housed at the Illinois Department of Corrections. Sheley, for instance, doesn’t have access to a computer at the prison.

    Before his ruling, Stewart also warned Sheley of the ramifications of representing himself. He will need to know how to question jurors, suppress evidence and subpoena witnesses, among many other judicial duties normally reserved for professional attorneys, Stewart noted.

    Stewart also threw out the possibility of appointing a stand-by counsel, who would be able to answer legal questions for Sheley.

    “That would be my desire,” Sheley responded.

    Stewart concluded by saying it wouldn’t be in Sheley’s best interest to represent himself. But he added defendants have an “absolute, Constitutional right” to relieve their defense counsel.

    Because of the ruling, Karlin was removed from the case.

    Sheley, 31, Sterling, is facing 10 counts of first-degree murder for the alleged 2008 killing, as well as aggravated kidnapping, aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery, all Class X felonies. He also is facing charges of robbery and possession of a stolen vehicle.

    The Class X felonies carry with them six to 60 years in prison. First-degree murder carries with it a penalty of life in prison.

    Sheley was initially facing the death penalty before Gov. Pat Quinn abolished the practice in March. Knox County prosecutors dropped the death penalty in Sheley’s case March 29.

    A pretrial conference has been set in the case for June 6.

    http://www.galesburg.com/topstories/...nder-way-today

  7. #17
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    Key dates in Nicholas Sheley murder cases

    Nicholas Sheley of Sterling has been charged with murder in the deaths of eight people killed in Illinois and Missouri in June 2008. Some of the key dates:

    June 14, 2008 — Someone forces way into the home of a 90-year-old Sterling woman robs her.

    June 23, 2008 — Warrant is issued for the arrest of Nicholas Sheley in the June 14 robbery.

    June 26, 2008 — Body of 93-year-old Russell Reed is found dead in the trunk of his car in Sterling.

    June 30, 2008 — The bodies Jill and Tom Estes of Arkansas are found at 10:30 a.m. behind a gas station in Festus, Mo. Less than two hours later the body of Ronald Randall of Galesburg is found behind a grocery store there. The same day, the bodies of Brock Branson, 29, Kenneth Ulve, 25, Kilynna Blake, 20, and her son Dayan Blake, 2, are found in an apartment in Rock Falls.

    July 1, 2008 — Sheley arrested at bar in Granite City.

    July 3, 2008 — Sheley is charged in Randall's death.

    July 10, 2008 — Sheley is charged in the Estes' deaths.

    Aug. 6, 2008 — Sheley pleads not guilty in Randall's death.

    Sept. 18, 2008 — Sheley is indicted in the Rock Falls killings.

    Sept. 24, 2008 — A judge issues a gag order after a jailhouse interview with Sheley.

    Dec. 22, 2008 — Sheley is found fit to stand trial.

    April 17, 2009 — Sheley attacks jail guards at Knox County jail in Galesburg with legs removed from metal chairs.

    Oct. 30, 2009 — Sheley is sentenced to seven years in prison after conviction for assaulting jail guards in Galesburg.

    March 29, 2011 — Prosecutors formally drop pursuit of death penalty for Sheley after Gov. Pat Quinn abolishes the sentence in Illinois.

    April 25 2011 — Judges grants Sheley's request to represent himself.

    July 20, 2011 — Judge agrees to Sheley's request to again work with a lawyer in his defense.

    Aug. 29. 2011 — Sheley is scheduled for trial in Randall killing. Other trials have yet to be scheduled.

    http://www.chron.com/news/article/Ke...es-2145057.php

  8. #18
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    After fast verdict, killing spree cases could slow

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— It took more than three years for Nicholas Sheley to go to trial in the first of eight slayings authorities allege he committed during a two-state crime spree.

    The one part of the process that has been quick was the verdict in the first trial: Jurors took less than an hour Monday to convict Sheley in the June 2008 beating death of Ronald Randall. But Sheley still faces charges in seven other deaths, and his path through the legal system is expected to again slow to a crawl. The last prosecutor in line says he may have to wait years.

    For Lyle Reed, the frustrating wait has been as much a part of his life as the unfading memory of finding blood on his father's porch and in the kitchen of his Sterling farm house back in June 2008, days before 93-year-old Russell Reed was found dead in his car. The murder charges against Sheley include that killing and four others in nearby Rock Falls for which he will be arraigned on Monday. The other two killings were in Festus, Mo.

    "As far as I'm concerned it's just a sideshow. He's guilty as sin," Lyle Reed said, adding that he knows he'll eventually have to go to the Whiteside County Courthouse as a witness but otherwise wants no part of watching Sheley make his way toward trial. "I'll have to (go), but not any more than I have to. I don't plan to sit through it at all."

    The first case involved the death of Ronald Randall. Jurors ultimately made their decision quickly because DNA evidence drawn from blood that was thick in Randall's truck was a powerful persuader, one said.

    The prosecutor handling the two cases that are last in line, Forrest Wegge of Jefferson County, Missouri, says he's prepared for a lengthy wait.

    "I'm not saying I'm willing to wait, but I'm not clamoring, either," he said. "It is what it is."

    A number of factors could slow or speed up the Whiteside County cases.

    Prosecutors -- both from the Whiteside County State's Attorney's office and the Illinois attorney general's office -- will need to decide whether to try Sheley in all five deaths there at once or try him separately in Reed's death. The others killed in the county -- 29-year-old Brock Branson, 25-year-old Kenneth Ulve, 20-year-old Kilynna Blake and her 2-year-old son, Dayan -- were found dead in a Rock Falls apartment.

    Aside from Wegge, attorneys involved in the Sheley cases either declined to discuss them in detail or didn't return calls. And court officials in Whiteside County say prosecutors haven't yet filed anything that makes their intentions clear.

    The search for a judge who doesn't know Sheley also could slow things down. The court agreed in August with a request from Sheley to remove first one judge and then a second. Sheley has an extensive criminal record and had appeared before both, leading him to believe neither could guarantee him a fair trial. A judge from Rock Island County, Jeffrey W. O'Connor, will handle Monday's arraignment, but a spokeswoman says it isn't clear yet whether he'll handle the cases.

    Another hurdle is that Sheley doesn't yet have an attorney and, in June, indicated he would represent himself. In his Galesburg trial, Sheley changed his mind more than once about whether to represent himself before finally relying on attorney Jeremy Karlin.

    Karlin said last week that he could represent Sheley again but nothing has been decided. If a new attorney is chosen, it could take months for him or her to get up to speed.

    Once a trial begins, some of the evidence that could be used against Sheley has already helped convince a jury he was guilty of killing Randall. Prosecutors have said clothing Sheley wore when he killed Randall was found in the Rock Falls apartment. Police have also said they found Sheley's DNA on a cigarette butt in Reed's kitchen. Sheley's wife has testified that Reed had previously let the two take scrap metal from his farm to sell.

    Karlin, the defense attorney, called no witnesses in Sheley's first trial. University of Illinois law professor Steven Beckett said a defense attorney might take a similar, not-uncommon tack in later trials.

    "A defendant doesn't have to put on a defense," said Beckett, who has worked as a defense attorney in 16 murder cases. "The defendant can simply take the position that the government does not have enough evidence to meet a burden of proof."

    When Sheley's legal path reaches Missouri, where he's charged with killing Jill and Tom Estes of Sherwood, Ark., he could face the death penalty. Illinois abolished the death penalty while Sheley awaited his first trial.

    Wegge hasn't decided whether to pursue that option. But if he does, Beckett said, the outcome of the remaining cases in Illinois could become factors in Missouri.

    "The jury is being told, `Oh, by the way, he has seven other murder convictions' -- that would have a heavy impact on a jury in deciding whether or not he receives the death penalty," Beckett said.

    The Esteses were visiting Festus and it appeared they were attacked the moment they climbed from their Corvette after leaving a graduation party, police said. Police have said the Esteses' bodies were loaded into the pickup Sheley stole from Randall and driven away.

    In the Esteses' Arkansas hometown, Sherwood, Tom Estes' 87-year-old mother, Mazie Estes, said waiting for any justice "is not easy," and "there's never a day that goes by I don't think of it." If Sheley is convicted of the Missouri killings, the long-retired manager of a shoe department says she's clear about what should happen.

    "I'm for the Bible, an eye for an eye. That's the way it should go," she said. "I think this has taken way too long. I hope they get on with it as soon as they can, but they don't ever do anything the way we think."

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...,7240168.story

  9. #19
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    Convicted Murderer Wants Local Attorney

    Attorney Jeremy Karlin may not be done yet representing accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley.

    The Sterling Daily Gazette reports Sheley is asking to have Karlin represent him in his Whiteside County case -- where he's charged with the murders of five people aged 2 to 93.

    That means, yet again, Sheley doesn't want to represent himself. Sheley originally wanted to represent himself in his Knox County case, dropped that, and brought Karlin back on after the Death Penalty in Illinois was repealed.

    Sheley was convicted last month of the death of 65-year old Ronald Randall.

    The Gazette reports the motion to use Karlin in the Whiteside County case was filed Wednesday, and will likely be taken up by 14th District Chief Judge Jeffrey O'Connor during a hearing scheduled for October 21.

    Sheley also allegedly killed an Arkansas couple in Missouri as part of a two-state killing spree in 2008.

    http://www.wgil.com/localnews.php?xn...011&newsid=113

  10. #20
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    Sheley sentenced to life in prison for Galesburg slaying

    GALESBURG — Nicholas Sheley was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday for the 2008 murder of Galesburg native Ronald Randall.

    He was also sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and 30 years for aggravated vehicular hijacking. Judge James Stewart had found Sheley’s actions so brutal and heinous that they warranted an extended sentence.

    Sheley, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen motor vehicle in September. The prosecution had dropped seven charges against him on the first day of jury selection, including: three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, an alternate charge of aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery and robbery.

    Witnesses testified at trial that Sheley arrived in Galesburg June 28 and purchased gas a Mobil Mart. He then traveled to Southard’s Car Wash where he encountered Randall, bludgeoned him to death and stole his truck. Sheley dumped the 65-year-old’s body behind Hy-Vee grocery store on East Main Street, drove to Hy-Vee gas station to purchase beer and cigarettes, and left toward Sterling to locate his wife.

    Sheley also is charged with five murders in Whiteside County and two murders in Festus, Mo. Defense attorney Jeremy Karlin, who represented Sheley in his Knox County case, will represent Sheley for the murder of Russell Reed in Whiteside County.

    http://www.pjstar.com/news/x14251298...without-parole

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