Hershel Morgan, Murder: Jessica Curless - 4/18/07 For complete history on this case, please see Jessica's thread in the Found/Resolved Section.Morgan trial delayed for DNA testing of evidence
By Nick Vogel
Published: Thursday, February 1, 2007 3:00 PM CST
Times staff writer
EUREKA - Judge John B. Huschen ruled that convicted rapist and accused murderer Hershel Morgan is medically fit to stand trial.
At a pretrial hearing Wednesday in Woodford County Courthouse, Morgan's court appointed defense attorney Hugh Toner asked Huschen for a later trial date, which was granted.
Toner said that he and prosecutor Mike Stroh - Woodford county's state's attorney - want their experts to be present when the evidence is tested. Toner said such an arrangement needs time.
Toner later explained that if the state's attorney's office hires an expert to test DNA found on evidence, there would be no DNA left to be tested by a defense appointed expert.
Morgan was indicted in July in Woodford County on four counts of first degree murder relating to the death of Jessica Curless. Her murder is alleged to have occurred between January and March 2006.
Morgan allegedly struck Curless on the head with a hammer, intending to prevent her from participating in, or giving material assistance to the investigation of other crimes Morgan was suspected of committing.
Curless was last seen alive Jan. 9 and was reported missing by her parents. Her fully clothed body was found March 3 in Spring Bay near a house and barn on an abandoned farmstead.
In April, Morgan received a 45-year prison sentence for raping an East Peoria woman during a home invasion and burglary. Morgan forced his way into the East Peoria house and forced the woman and her live-in boyfriend to disrobe. Morgan then ordered the boyfriend to stay on the floor while Morgan assaulted the woman.
Authorities also believe Morgan committed home invasions, burglaries and another rape in Woodford and Peoria counties in 2005. Morgan is also suspected of robbing the Alamac Motel near Tremont in January 2005.
During Wednesday's brief hearing Morgan sat still - wearing a yellow jumpsuit and handcuffs. He was brought to Woodford County from Stateville Correctional Center, where he is serving time for the rape of the East Peoria woman.
Morgan's next pretrial hearing will be March 28. A tentative date for the trial is set at April 18.
http://www.pekintimes.com/articles/2007/02/01/news/news3.txt
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