Judge Denies Motion to Delay Toni Keller Murder Trial

A DeKalb County judge ruled that the trial will begin as scheduled on April 11 in the murder of Plainfield teen and Northern Illinois University freshman Toni Keller.

William Curl, 36, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death.

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On Wednesday, Judge Robbin Stuckert denied a request from public defender Tom McCulloch seeking another trial delay, according to the DeKalb Daily Chronicle.

McCulloch said he wanted more time because he was concerned prosecutors would call an expert psychologist to the stand without giving the defense the expert's name or background information until just before the trial, the Chronicle reported. Prosecutors said they do not intend to call an expert to the witness stand.

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Originally slated to begin in May 2012, the trial has already been delayed four times.

Keller disappeared in October 2010 after telling friends she was going to take photos for an art assignment in DeKalb's Prairie Park. 

Her remains were found two days later in the park. Curl is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering Keller before burning her remains in an attempt to conceal the crimes. 

Read more:

•  Toni Keller Murder Trial Delayed Again
• Toni Keller Trial: New Start Date Falls on Slain Student's 21st Birthday
  
• Accused Killer Seeks to Have Murder Charges Dismissed in Toni Keller Case

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