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Attorneys want man convicted in girl’s 1957 killing set free

A state attorney said the investigation and prosecution was flawed

Associated Press

SYCAMORE, Ill. — A northern Illinois judge is set to consider a request to release a man serving a life sentence in the 1957 killing of a 7-year-old girl.

Attorneys for 76-year-old Jack McCullough say he should be released from prison immediately, citing a prosecutor’s recent investigation they say shows he is innocent. A hearing is scheduled for Friday morning.

If McCullough’s conviction isn’t vacated Friday his attorneys requested he be released on his own recognizance while his petition goes through the court system.

McCullough was arrested in 2011 and convicted in 2012 for the slaying of Maria Ridulph. But State’s Attorney Richard Schmack said last week that the investigation and prosecution was flawed.

A judge told McCullough earlier this week a ruling would require several hearings.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press

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