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Opening Statements Over in Sheley Trial
Opening statements ended up being shorter than perhaps thought at the local trial of accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley.

Before opening statements began Friday morning, Judge James Stewart ruled that prosecutor Bill Elward must cut down on the number of photos used in a Power Point presentation that was a part of his opening statement.

Defense attorney Jeremy Karin contended that the use of the photos might prejudice the jury, and did not contribute to a rule that opening statements must be kept somewhat short.

In opening statements, Elward said the case points to a "trail of evidence" -- starting in Rock Island, where Sheley allegedly stole an Illinois Oil Products truck and clothing, goign to Galesburg where Sheley allegedly abandoned the truck, killed 65 year old Ronald Randall and stole his truck, all the while wearing the Illinois Oil Products clothes, going back to Rock Falls, leaving the blood-stained clothes, and eventually to Missouri, where Randall's truck was abandoned.

Karlin, meanwhile, said if jurors follow the law, and do what they said they'd do in the case, putting aside everything they may have heard or read before trial, they'll find Sheley not guilty.

The court is in recess until 1:30pm Friday, when evidence will begin to be presented by the state. They say, by the way, that Sheley's wife Holly will be one of the witnesses to testify.
09 09 11 by Newsroom
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