Suspects in Anna homicide set for trial Sept. 22

One of the suspects in a murder case in Anna, Illinois, has a new lawyer, while his co-defendant is awaiting a motion hearing ahead of a jury trial next month.

Jessie Bell, 34, of Anna and Travis D. Turner, 25, of Dongola, Illinois, face first-degree murder charges in the beating death of James H. "Jimmy" Morrison, 46, of Anna.

Charging documents filed in the case allege Bell repeatedly struck Morrison in the head with his fists, and Turner hit the victim in the head with a piece of lumber.

Public defender Jason Kleindorfer, who had been representing Turner, withdrew from the case and was replaced Aug. 12 by public defender J. Jeremy Lloyd, online court records show.

Meanwhile, Bell's attorney, Patrick Duffy, has filed several motions in connection with his case.

Duffy moved to prohibit the use of restraints on Bell and have him "dressed appropriately" during his trial, online court records show.

Defendants typically appear in court in handcuffs, shackles and jail jumpsuits. During a jury trial, however, a defense lawyer may ask the judge to let the defendant wear street clothes -- usually a suit and tie -- and no obvious restraints to avoid giving the jury the impression the defendant is dangerous or guilty before the trial is complete.

Duffy also filed a motion to change the trial's location.

A hearing on those motions is scheduled for Sept. 4, and both defendants are set for jury trial Sept. 22, online court records show.

A grand jury indicted Bell and Turner in May.

Authorities found Morrison's body about 3 a.m. April 12 outside a home in Anna, Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds reported at the time.

In Illinois, first-degree murder ordinarily is punishable by 20 to 60 years in prison, but depending on the circumstances, the penalty can go up to natural life in prison.

Illinois law requires defendants convicted of murder to serve 100 percent of their sentences.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Anna, Ill.