Illinois murder suspect moves closer to trial

JONESBORO, Ill. -- The murder case against Travis Turner moved a step closer to trial Tuesday.

Turner was unable to appear in court, but his attorney, David Lloyd, filed an oral motion to allow Turner to appear at trial wearing his own clothes, which is a standard request. The state voiced no objections.

Turner, 26, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the April 2014 beating death of James "Jimmy" Morrison outside a home in Anna, Illinois.

Turner allegedly hit Morrison in the head with a piece of lumber, while his co-defendant, Jessie Bell of Anna, struck Morrison in the head repeatedly with his fists.

Bell was found guilty of second-degree murder in May in connection with Morrison's death. The jury in that case deliberated for just over nine hours before returning a verdict after several days of testimony.

Also in court Tuesday, attorneys discussed another case that has a trial date set for the same day Turner's is scheduled to begin -- Aug. 24.

Lloyd and prosecutor Tyler Edmonds agreed with Judge Mark Boie's suggestion to keep both dates set pending a hearing in the other case July 30; one of the trials likely will be continued.

Turner remains in custody and will next appear in court June 30.

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

Jonesboro, IL

Anna, IL