NEWS NOTES ON WGFA for Wednesday, May 28, 2008 >

George Ryan’s appeal denied….Indiana homicide investigated…..More answers needed about Kankakee body found in a field….. Five now charged in Danville murder…..

Another chilly Illiana morning—Mostly sunny today, high near 67. Overnight low was at 44. Warm-up continues this week.

–area news found on news links at WGFARADIO.COM –

• An appeal for clemency from President Bush is former Governor george Ryan’s last chance to avoid serving his full prison sentence now that the Supreme Court has denied his final appeal. Ryan’s lead attorney, former Governor Jim Thompson, says he will ask for the remainder of the sentence to be commuted because Ryan has suffered enough. Ryan was convicted of fraud, racketeering and corription charges in 2006. He was sentenced to six and-a-half years in prison. The 74-year-old has served about seven months of that sentence. U-S Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says the Supreme Court decision proves Ryan received a fair trial.
• A forensic anthropologist is being asked to get involved in a Kankakee investigation to identify a body found in a field. Kankakee County sheriff’s police and the coroner’s office continue to investigate what caused the death of a person found in a field in the eastern part of the county last Friday. An autopsy was inconclusive as to what caused the death.
• A Newton County, Indiana homicide has authorities asking for the public’s help in solving the crime. Indiana State Police report 54-year-old Robert marshall was found fatally shot in the head early Saturday in his home. Detectives said Marshall was last seen alive about 10:30 pm Friday. Police said there was no sign of forced entry or robbery at the hosue at 5985 E and 1156 N Road. Anyone with info is asked to call 219-696-6242.
• Five men are now charged with first degree murder in Danville. 29-year-old Comonte Sanders of Champaign is charged with murder and armed robbery for the fatal shooting of Kenneth Sims last Thursday. Four other men are also charged with murder and armed robbery. They’re all being held without bond.

“Your Illiana News Source” — WGFA …. since 1961