The sister of convicted murderer Cynthia Baker was convicted herself Tuesday of harassing a witness during Baker’s 2019 trial in the death of 8-year-old Rica Rountree.
Eric Stock / WGLT
McLean County prosecutors call it an unprecedented time in their office.
They have tried 10 murder defendants in less than two years. The last nine defendants were convicted. McLean County State s Attorney Don Knapp said he hopes the convictions have a chilling effect on crime in Bloomington-Normal.
“If people haven’t figured out what happens to folks that want to use violence and usually illegal guns to settle disputes, I don’t know how much plainer we can make it,” Knapp said.
Knapp called a news conference Tuesday and assembled his prosecutors who tried those cases and local police who investigated the cases to detail how they have managed the multitude of high-profile murders.
The McLean County Law and Justice Center has been host to multiple high-profile felony murder cases in recent years. Criminal justice advocates say it s time to amend the controversial law. Others in the legal community say that likely won t happen soon. Staff / WGLT
Advocates of criminal justice reform in the United States have had several achievements in the last couple of years. Both sides of the aisle embraced calls for lower prison populations. A growing social movement calls for rehabilitation over punishment.
Supporters say part of that debate should be changing Illinois felony murder law. But others in the legal community argue that s a long shot.
Family Photo
“Sham investigations” by state child welfare workers emboldened Rica Rountree’s abusers to continue the abuse that led to her death in January 2019, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the child’s estate.
The 8-year-old Normal girl died of internal injuries linked to blows to her abdomen, according to an autopsy report that also noted more than 60 scars and marks on her body. The girl’s father, Richard Rountree, was convicted of child endangerment, and his girlfriend, Cynthia Baker, is serving a life sentence for murder. Both are named in the lawsuit that includes eight state workers, the Department of Children and Family Services and the State of Illinois.
Mother of Rica Rountree, attorneys plan to file lawsuits against Illinois, others in 8 year old s death wjbc.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wjbc.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.