Brody I. Murbarger appeared in Wayne County Court on Friday. In front of packed courtroom Defense Attorney Christian Baril moved for a Motion for a Judgment of Acquittal or a new trial; stating that his client was unable to receive a fair and impartial verdict in Wayne County. Among the several reasons for the motion, Baril cited local and national media coverage, social media, and rumor; claiming Murbarger was convicted of murder in the public eye prior to jury selection. Other reasons included witness testimony being hearsay evidence, causing a bias among the jury. The defense also argued that text messages read in court held no relevance to the case, serving only to further bias the jury. Appearing in court for the State of Illinois, Michael Falagario, along with Myra Yelle-Clark, argued that jury selection was properly handled by the judge, stating that out of over 50 potential jurors interviewed 14 impartial jurors were selected. It was also argued that the testimony heard in the trial, along with text messages between the defendant and victim, serve to motive. Witness testimony not only painted the picture of a long-standing relationship between Murbarger and Nichols, but laid out the relevant details of the relationship according to Illinois Rule of Evidence 803. The subject of Murbargers relationship goes to motive, the texts add context to that motive. The state also made it known that out of 7500 recovered text messages between the defendant and victim, less than 30 were used in court. Ultimately Judge Molt denied the defenses motion for acquittal or new trial stating that “This was a tragedy for the community and both families,” but that before making his initial ruling he had considered appropriate study of case law and found no reason for a change of venue. Murbarger was found guilty of first-degree murder in the in the 2014 disappearance and killing of 15-year-old Megan Nichols in October 2022 after only an hour of jury deliberation. Sentencing for Murbarger has been set for January 25, 2023 in Wayne County Court.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday expanding access to abortion and other reproductive health care services. House Bill 4664 passed Tuesday during the General Assembly’s “lame duck” session, and came in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and declaring that the federal constitution does not protect a woman’s right to abortion. The bill aims to address the increased demand for abortion services in Illinois by expanding the list of providers qualified to perform the procedure to include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants when general anesthesia is not required. It also provides an expedited process for healthcare providers licensed in other states to obtain temporary licenses to practice in Illinois. The new law takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and several sheriffs have sparred over the semiautomatic gun law. An Associated Press story said the governor had a succinct answer to the sheriff’s in Illinois who have indicated they would not enforce the ban on semiautomatic weapons that took effect this week: “Yes you will”. Sevreal sheriffs from southern Illinois and around the state have declared the prohibition unconstitutional and have indicated they will not enforce it in their county. The Illinois State Rifle Association plans to file a federal lawsuit challenging the law as early as next week.
WFIW/WOKZ Sports Director Drew Pountain had a chance to talk with Matt Pauley from the St. Louis Cardinals Radio Network. Pountain talked at length with Pauley about the Cardinals Caravan. The caravan will be coming to Evansville, Indiana on Sunday.
Area river stages as of this morning: Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 16.39 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 15.59 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 12.93 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 6.6 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 6.47 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. The latest forecast indicated rain chances in the area on Monday, with additional chances the middle of the week.