Convicted murderer and former Lawrence County resident Ray Tate was back in court this week.
He appeared via ZOOM from prison at Menard at the hearing in Clinton County, Ill. Circuit Court in his continued attempt to withdraw his guilty pleas to charges filed against him after being captured following the killing of Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Riley in December of 2021.
During the proceeding, Tate refused to speak to his court-appointed attorney Van-Lear Eckert of Belleville and in a surprise move fired him and indicated he would move forward without an attorney. The presiding judge admonished Tate for the move but did allow the move. The matter was then set for a status hearing on Wednesday, September 3rd.
Tate is currently serving a life sentence without parole for the Riley death in Wayne County and was given an additional 30 years for convictions on aggravated kidnapping and several weapons in Clinton County. He remains incarcerated at the Menard maximum-security facility in Chester, Ill.
Nearly 3,000 Indiana students to explore career pathways at LENS Apprenticeship Showcase
Prep your vehicle for winter weather
Expanded opportunities for incarcerated Hoosiers through 10-year Ivy Tech partnership
Legendary Vietnam gun truck to ride DC National Veterans Parade
Rockville man arrested on CSAM charge
Conservation officers remind hunters to prioritize safety during deer season
Ex-postal worker receives sentence for stealing checks in massive $34 million fraud scheme
Christmas Nights of Lights returns to Indiana State Fairgrounds for the 2026 holiday season
MMR vaccines available at Parke County Health Department
Governor Braun extends gas tax savings
Smith, Russell earn spots on Rockville Town Board
Indiana Department of Education changing how schools are graded
Polls open statewide at 6 a.m. Tuesday
Keystone and Caledonia Farmers Elevator agree to pursue merger following successful due diligence
Indiana BMV extends hours ahead of general election
INDOT reminds drivers stay alert for road crews, Project Greenlight to increase worker visibility
GROWMARK invests in Wabash Valley Resources’ Indiana ammonia fertilizer project
Indiana State Police want everyone to stay safe this Halloween
