Convicted murderer Ray E. Tate made a video appearance in Clinton County Circuit Court on Wednesday, continuing his efforts to withdraw his guilty plea related to his capture following the 2021 murder of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley.
Appearing via Zoom from Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Tate refused to communicate with his court-appointed attorney, Van-Lear P. Eckert. Judge Douglas Gruenke attempted to mediate by placing them in a video breakout room, but no progress was made.
Back on record, Tate dismissed his public defender, opting to represent himself. Judge Gruenke informed Tate of the risks of self-representation, vacated Eckert’s appointment, and allowed Tate to proceed pro se. A status hearing is set for September 3rd.
Tate is serving a life sentence without parole for the December 29th, 2021, murder of Deputy Riley, along with an additional 30 years in Clinton County for aggravated kidnapping and weapons charges. He remains in maximum security at Menard State Penitentiary.
Comments