Defendant in '99 SIU student killing begins second trial

MARION, Ill. -- A 33-year-old Herrin man goes back on trial today for the 1999 killing of a Southern Illinois University Carbondale student.

Steven M. Crutchfield was convicted of stabbing Michael V. Sasso more than 30 times with a kitchen knife and screwdriver, and was sentenced to life in prison in 1999. He was found guilty but mentally ill.

But the 5th District Appellate Court ruled that the judge failed to instruct the jury to determine whether it was first- or second-degree murder. Opening statements in a second trial begin today.

Crutchfield's ex-wife, Tracey Teffertiller, testified that she developed an intimate relationship with Sasso when her marriage to Crutchfield was deteriorating. She testified that Crutchfield had interrupted her and Sasso when they were watching television in her Herrin home, then attacked Sasso. She said she tried to call 911 but the phone was disconnected.

Crutchfield said during the first trial that he went into a rage when he saw Sasso with his estranged wife, but that he did not remember committing the crime.

Attorneys told prospective jurors to expect the case to last until Friday.