Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Wm. J. Ross - now 2nd case in Nevada court

William J. Ross, wanted in McHenry County for Concealment of a Homicidal Death and in custody in Clark County (Nev.) Correctional Center since November 7, now has a second case listed in his custody record. It is Case No.14GW0922X.

There was to be a hearing today on a Motion in Case No. 13F18113X in the Justice Court there, which may have been in regard to the extradition order approved by the Illinois and Nevada Governors. It was re-set to tomorrow, due to a clerical error.

It would certainly be nice if the McHenry County State's Attorney Office (SAO) kept the public better informed of releasable information in this case. Motions and court dates are public record.

Why should the public be informed? Ross is wanted for Concealment of a Homicidal Death. The charge was filed against him, after Jacqueline Schaefer's body was found in a house in McHenry County owned by Ross.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department and the McHenry County Coroner's Office have not disclosed the cause and manner of Schaefer's death, although it is known.

What if Ross didn't do it? Not only is he entitled to be presumed innocent, what if he is innocent? That would mean the person who caused her death is on the loose.

It won't take the public long to recall a case in which the State's Attorney Office (albeit, a State's Attorney prior to Lou Bianchi) accused a McHenry County resident of murder, prosecuted him, saw him convicted and imprisoned, including time on death row. After several years he was released. The actual killers were caught, tried and convicted.

Is the public entitled to more information at this time? And could the SAO provide it, without endangering any ongoing investigation?

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