Convicted murderer and former Lawrence County resident Ray Tate made a brief video appearance Wednesday in Clinton County (Ill) Circuit Court as part of his continued efforts to withdraw a guilty plea to charges filed against him after his capture there following the death of Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Riley in December of 2021.
Tate, who fired his court-appointed attorney last month and is representing himself asked for additional time to file an amended motion asking the guilty plea to aggravated kidnapping and firearms charges be vacated. Tate maintains he was coerced into entering the plea. He received a 40-year prison term. The motion for more time was granted, and a status hearing was set for Oct. 29.
Tate is continuing to serve a life sentence without parole in connection with the Riley killing at the Menard Correctional Center in Chester.
Lawrenceville football snaps long losing streak
Earth tremor reported in southeastern Illinois
Lawrence County woman sentenced to prison
Lawrenceville agrees to settlement to acquire old LHS property
Application window now open for INDOT's Engineering Scholarship Program
Farmland values decrease in region
Chamber announces wristband coupon sales
McDonald’s celebrates the return of Extra Value Meals
Wanted Northern Illinois man found and ticketed in Crawford County
Accreditation standards set for Indiana's County Veteran Service Officers
Lawrence County arrests
U.S. Secretary of Education confirms on time launch of the 2026–27 FAFSA form
Lawrence Unit #20 ratifies contract with ELEA
Wanted Wabash County fugitive in custody
Bost announces $300,000 HHS grant to support Lawrence County opioid response efforts
Electric co-ops recognize Rep. Niemerg for his public service
Governor orders flags lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for Minneapolis shooting victims
Benefit brings in money, donations for Sandy's Pantry
