A special prosecutor was appointed to investigate allegations of perjury and other wrongdoing in the Jack McCullough case. The Daily Chronicle reports Brian Towne was appointed to the position. He's the former LaSalle County State's Attorney, and part of the special prosecution unit of the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor's office.
Jack McCullough was convicted of the 1957 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph of Sycamore. However, that conviction was vacated after a review last April showing he could not have committed the crime.
Former DeKalb County State’s Attorney Richard Schmack wanted a special prosecutor to examine allegations of misconduct in the McCullough investigation, including possible perjury by a Seattle police detective. Towne's appointment comes as nine counties declined to investigate.
Meanwhile, a hearing on McCullough's request for a certificate of innocence is scheduled for April.
