On Monday, both the prosecution and defense confirmed their readiness for Ray E. Tate’s upcoming aggravated kidnapping trial in Clinton County. Tate faces 30 felony charges related to his actions on December 29, 2021, following the fatal shooting of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley. After the incident, Tate fled into Missouri before returning to Illinois, where he was captured at a farmhouse near Carlyle.
Due to Tate’s designation as a high escape risk, Clinton County Circuit Judge Douglas Gruenke has imposed strict security measures for the trial, scheduled to begin on October 21st. Judge Gruenke noted in a docket entry that Tate will be restrained at the legs, and table skirts will be used to prevent the jury from seeing him. Additionally, Tate’s public defender has been instructed to provide him with civilian attire for the trial.
A final pretrial hearing is set for October 16th, just days ahead of the jury trial.
Charges Against Tate:
Tate is accused of breaking into Leonard Cox’s home on Beaver Road in Carlyle and unlawfully confining Cox. He faces charges for firing a 20-gauge shotgun and a .38 caliber pistol inside the residence during the incident. Joseph Reagan was also reportedly confined, and Tate allegedly pistol-whipped him with a 9 mm Hi-Point pistol.
Tate is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Menard State Penitentiary in Chester, Illinois, for the murder of Deputy Riley. Earlier this year, a request to withdraw his guilty plea for that charge was denied by White County Circuit Judge Denton Aud. During a hearing on September 9th, Tate’s public defender argued for the dismissal of the Clinton County charges, citing delays in bringing Tate to trial. However, Judge Gruenke ruled that any delays were attributable to Tate himself, not the state.
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