Ray E. Tate's bid to withdraw his guilty plea has created a lot of work for the Wayne County court system. Tate is currently serving a sentence of life without parole for the December 29, slaying of Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Riley. On March 17th, Tate entered a guilty plea to a single count of first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Since then, Tate filed a hand-written pro se motion to withdraw that plea, claiming his guilty plea was coerced. He also alleges he had ineffective assistance of counsel and was not mentally competent to enter the plea. The motion to withdraw his guilty plea has triggered a series of hearings and lot of work for the local court system. Most recently, a court reporter had to prepare transcripts of Tate's change of plea hearing and subsequent sentencing hearing. Those documents were just completed a few days ago. Tate's most recent court appearance was by Zoom conference on Tuesday, August 9. Tate's next hear
Brian Halfacre, 56, of Fairfield, died at 8:20pm on Monday, August 8, 2022, at the Flora Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Flora, IL. Brian was born on July 26, 1966, in Joliet, IL, to Clinton and Lillian (Wilson) Halfacre. Brian had worked in the oil industry since he was 18 years old. Prior to suffering a stroke, he had been a pumper for McCulley Oil Field Services. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Brian loved playing golf, being outdoors, and hunting mushrooms and asparagus. He was an avid NFL fan and loved getting together with his friends to watch football. Survivors include two daughters Vanessa Halfacre of Australia, and Toyzann Halfacre of Tennessee, three grandchildren, two brothers Jim (Ladonna) Halfacre of Mt. Vernon, IN, and Paul Halfacre of Renton, WA, a sister Debbie Halfacre of Fairfield, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents Opal and Howard Witter. A visitation will be held from 5pm-7pm