The Fifth District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence of Ray Tate in connection with the December 29, 2021, shooting death of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley.
The decision was announced Tuesday afternoon, November 3rd, in a 42-page ruling issued by the appellate court.
Appellate Justice Barry L. Vaughan delivered the court’s opinion, affirming Tate’s conviction and sentence. Justices Hackett and Clarke concurred with the ruling.
In addition to rejecting Tate’s appeal, the appellate court granted his attorney’s request to withdraw from the case.
Tate was convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of Deputy Riley, who was killed in the line of duty on December 29, 2021.
With Tuesday’s ruling, Tate’s conviction and life sentence remain in place.
Tate continues to serve his life sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections.